Shipping reality check: a new VLCC supertanker costs roughly $125M, not $2B.

Not sure who is telling POTUS that supertankers cost $2 Billion?

A brand new 320,000-dwt VLCC supertanker costs $125M right now.

Used ones are much less expensive. And fertilizer bulkers even less.

pic.twitter.com/izbDvZeMMZ

— John Ʌ Konrad V (@johnkonrad) March 17, 2026

What is the value of a full VLCC supertanker? What is the value of a full Q-Flex LNG Carrier?

A new VLCC (320k DWT) hull costs ~$125-140M. Loaded (“full”) with ~2M barrels crude at current Brent ~$100/bbl, cargo adds ~$200M. Total: ~$325-340M.

A Q-Flex LNG carrier (210k-217k m³) hull costs ~$220-260M new. Loaded with ~5M MMBtu LNG at ~$12/MMBtu spot/forward Asia, cargo adds ~$60M. Total: ~$280-320M.

Neither approaches $2B.
-Grok