# US Weighs Releasing Sanctioned Tankers to Tame Freight Rates

> US plans to lift sanctions on 24 sanctioned tankers to lower freight rates before midterms, but aging ships limit impact.
- Title: US Weighs Releasing Sanctioned Tankers to Tame Freight Rates
- Summary: US plans to lift sanctions on 24 sanctioned tankers to lower freight rates before midterms, but aging ships limit impact. US considers easing sanctions on 24…
- Keywords: sanctioned tankers, vlcc, freight rates, midterm elections, kpler, shadow fleet, crude oil shipping, finance, markets, Weighs, Releasing, Sanctioned
- Source: BigGo Finance — https://finance.biggo.com/news/80c229a1-bca3-4226-9164-308b06ccaf18
- Author: BigGo Finance
- Published: 2026-10-22T03:26:02+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: us, sanctioned tankers, vlcc, freight rates, midterm elections, kpler, shadow fleet, crude oil shipping, finance, markets
## US considers lifting sanctions
The Trump administration is considering lifting sanctions on some tankers blacklisted over ties to Russia, Iran and Venezuela to bring them back into the commercial shipping market.
## High freight rates drive plan
With VLCC rates topping $1.4 million a day amid the U.S.-Iran war, the plan aims to calm energy prices ahead of next month's midterm elections.
## Kpler estimates limited return
Kpler estimates only 24 of the 160 sanctioned VLCCs could realistically return to service if sanctions are lifted.
## Aging vessels limit supply
The sanctioned tankers have an average age of 22 years, with 27% older than 20 years and only about 20 holding valid class certificates.
## Shadow fleet operates unofficially
Global shipbroker BRS analyzed that many sanctioned vessels are already operating unofficially, so lifting sanctions may not increase supply.
## Political motive for action
The move aims to increase tanker supply to drive down freight rates and stabilize energy prices ahead of midterms.
## Key takeaway

US considers easing sanctions on 24 of 160 sanctioned tankers to reduce freight rates ahead of midterms, but aging vessels limit supply expansion.