In this article, we will discuss: 10 Best Shipping Stocks to Buy According to Analysts.
On March 11, 2026, sources told Reuters that the US Navy had denied nearly daily requests from the shipping industry to escort vessels across the Strait of Hormuz, citing high attack threats. Officials said the Navy is still considering alternatives but could not deploy escorts under the current circumstances. The approach contrasts with words from Donald Trump, who stated that the United States is prepared to accompany tankers “when the time comes.” Shipping challenges had halted most traffic across the strait, which transports around one-fifth of global oil supplies, sending prices to highs not seen since 2022. According to the shipping industry sources, the Navy informed stakeholders that escorts would not commence until the risks had been reduced.
A senior official with Iran’s Revolutionary Guards claimed Iran would fire on ships crossing the strait. Reuters cited reports that several vessels had already been attacked. General Dan Caine of the U.S. military commented that the military is “looking at a range of options.” Director of the European Institute for Studies on the Middle East and North Africa, Adel Bakawan, stated that “nobody is in a position to secure the Strait of Hormuz.”
With that said, here are the 10 Best Shipping Stocks to Buy According to Analysts.
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Methodology:
To list the 10 Best Shipping Stocks to Buy According to Analysts, we sifted through ETFs and several online rankings and shortlisted the stocks. Next, we chose the ones in which analysts see upside and which are popular among hedge funds as of Q4 2025. We then limited our final selection to companies that have recently reported noteworthy developments likely to impact investor sentiment.
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10. International Seaways, Inc. (NYSE:INSW)
On March 9, 2026, Deutsche Bank upgraded International Seaways, Inc. (NYSE:INSW) price objective to $80 from $63 while maintaining a Buy rating.
International Seaways, Inc. (NYSE:INSW) reported fourth-quarter net income of $128 million, or $2.56 per share, with adjusted net income of $122 million, or $2.45 per share, and adjusted EBITDA of $175 million. The corporation reported $309 million in full-year net income and $475 million in adjusted EBITDA. The firm maintained $724 million in liquidity, including $167 million in cash. It announced a $2.15 per share dividend payable in March 2026, accounting for 87% of adjusted net income, and reported selling 10 vessels in 2025 for $131 million and seven vessels in 2026 for $216 million.
International Seaways, Inc. (NYSE:INSW)’s management said that the company had its best quarter since Q1 2024, driven by crude and product tanker divisions and higher VLCC profitability. The company accelerated fleet renewal through vessel sales and acquisitions and decreased net loan-to-value to 13%. It issued $250 million in bonds, serviced higher-cost debt, and returned approximately $150 million to shareholders.
International Seaways, Inc. (NYSE:INSW) transports crude oil and petroleum products. It works in two segments: crude tankers and product carriers.
9. SFL Corporation Ltd. (NYSE:SFL)
On March 6, 2026, SFL Corporation Ltd. (NYSE:SFL) stated that it obtained a drilling agreement in Canada for its semi-submersible rig Hercules, worth an estimated $170 million, for a minimum of 400 days. The contract will begin in the first quarter of 2027. The corporation will prepare the rig in Norway for mobilization to Canada later this year, with Odfjell Drilling managing operations under the arrangement.
SFL Corporation Ltd. (NYSE:SFL) published preliminary Q4 2025 results, with operating sales of $176 million, 87% from shipping and 13% from energy, and adjusted EBITDA of $109. The firm announced a quarterly dividend of $0.20 per share, its 88th straight payout, which is expected to be paid around March 30, 2026. The company made $52 million in net proceeds from tanker sales and spent $23 million on two Suezmax vessels.
SFL Corporation Ltd. (NYSE:SFL) owns and operates vessels and other offshore assets. It also handles asset chartering, purchases, and sales.
8. Matson, Inc. (NYSE:MATX)
On March 13, 2026, Matson, Inc. (NYSE:MATX) reported that Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer John Lauer will retire on July 1, 2026, following 19 years of directing sales, marketing, pricing, and customer service. The corporation promoted Chris Scott, presently Senior Vice President of Transpacific Service and Corporate Pricing, to EVP and CCO, following Lauer’s retirement.
Matson, Inc. (NYSE:MATX) reported a Q4 2025 net income of $143.1 million, or $4.60 per diluted share, up from $128.0 million, or $3.80 per share, the previous year. Revenue fell to $851.9 million from $890.3 million the previous year. For the fiscal year 2025, the company reported EPS of $13.81, net income of $444.8 million, and EBITDA of $704.7 million. The corporation expects Q1 2026 operating income to drop year on year, with full-year 2026 operating income approaching 2025 levels.
Matson, Inc. (NYSE:MATX) is a holding company that provides logistical and transportation services. It operates in the Ocean Transportation and Logistics segments.
7. Scorpio Tankers Inc. (NYSE:STNG)
On March 12, 2026, DNB Carnegie lowered Scorpio Tankers Inc. (NYSE:STNG) to Hold from Buy, with a $76 price target.
On March 5, 2026, Scorpio Tankers Inc. (NYSE:STNG) announced that it had agreed to sell three product tankers, including two 2015-built scrubber-fitted MR vessels for $35.0 million each and one LR2 vessel for $60.0 million, with closings scheduled for Q1 or Q2. The corporation also agreed to charter out two LR2 tankers, signing a five-year deal at $33,000 per day and an eight-year contract at $30,500 per day, with both charters set to begin in Q1 or Q2.
Scorpio Tankers Inc. (NYSE:STNG) reported Q4 2025 results with adjusted EBITDA of $151.6 million and adjusted net income of $80.0 million, or $1.70 per share. The firm raised its quarterly dividend to $0.45 per share, representing a 12.5% year over year increase. The company prepaid $154.6 million in debt, covering anticipated amortization until 2027, while also completing several vessel sales and newbuilding purchase agreements through early 2026.
Scorpio Tankers Inc. (NYSE:STNG) provides marine transportation of petroleum products. It functions in four segments: MR, LR2, Handymax, and LR1.
6. Euroseas Ltd. (NASDAQ:ESEA)
On March 4, 2026, Maxim boosted its price objective for Euroseas Ltd. (NASDAQ:ESEA) from $75 to $90 while maintaining a Buy rating. The firm noted recent Middle Eastern developments, claiming that longer container ship voyage times could restrict vessel supply and near-term contract availability, hence supporting freight conditions.
On March 17, 2026, Euroseas Ltd. (NASDAQ:ESEA) reported that it had ordered two 2,800 TEU high-reefer containerships from Huanghai Shipbuilding in China for around $46.35 million each, funding the transaction with debt and equity. The vessels will have over 1,000 reefer plugs and will meet EEDI Phase 3 and IMO NOx Tier III criteria, with a focus on refrigerated cargo needs. The corporation anticipates deliveries in June and August 2028. The agreement also includes the option to acquire up to four additional vessels to assist fleet development into specialized reefer segments.
Euroseas Ltd. (NASDAQ:ESEA) is a holding company that provides ocean-going transportation services. It uses containerships to deliver dry and refrigerated containerized cargoes, primarily manufactured goods and perishables.
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