The Suezmax market had an active week, notably in the US, as rates on the US Gulf to UK Continent route climbed week-on-week. The Mediterranean/Black Sea market also strengthened, with rates on the route increasing somewhat. Despite limited activity in the East, rates rose due to a positive outlook from owners influenced by Western trends. Aframax rates on the cross-UK Continent route strengthened compared to last week, driven by strong demand and a scarcity of available tonnage in the region. Towards the week’s end, rates across the Atlantic saw significant growth, with the US Gulf to UK Continent route rates rising week-over-week, prompting some owners to consider shifting their vessels westward. In the Mediterranean and Black Sea, market conditions firmed as owners exerted upward pressure on rates. For VLCC’s there is a substantial tonnage rollover to November, but owner sentiment is improving. Strong cargo demand from the Middle East Gulf early in the week and demand from the West later on have bolstered confidence. The Suezmax and Aframax markets in the region are robust, further supporting this sentiment. Anticipations are for rates to strengthen in the short term.