In this article, we will take a look at the 11 Best Marine Shipping Stocks to Buy Right Now.
Marine shipping companies have been set alight due to the escalation of the Middle East conflict. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz following a full-blown war pitting the US and Israel against Iran has seen shipping stocks rally dramatically. The rally comes on freight futures hitting daily trading limits, fueled by disruption from the Hormuz blockade.
According to Linerlytica, a market intelligence platform for the container shipping industry, the forward curve has shifted into contango, with commodity futures prices higher than the current spot price.
“A prolonged closure of the Hormuz would lead to a reconfiguration of these services and result in a short-term tightening in vessel supply and box equipment as well as increased congestion at Asian ports,” Linerlytica said.
Marine shipping companies suspending operations through the Strait of Hormuz is increasingly placing a strain on global shipping capacity. Shipping companies have also had to implement additional fees to cover longer routes and the increased risks and expenses. The introduction of new surcharges will lead to a short-term boost in shipping company revenues.
War risk surcharges are already helping establish a new revenue baseline for shipments to and from the Arabian Gulf. In return, market participants are factoring the new costs, viewing them as a potential boost to earnings.
Earlier in the year, Niels Rasmussen, chief shipping analyst at the Baltic and International Maritime Council, reiterated that shipping demand would grow by 2.5% to 3.5% this year and next year. It is still unclear if this will be the case amid uncertainty across a key shipping route.
Our Methodology
To find the best marine shipping stocks, we used the Finviz screener and analyzed the SonicShares Global Shipping ETF and the Invesco Shipping ETF. Next, we detailed the stocks with positive upside potential. We limited our final selection to companies that have recently reported noteworthy developments likely to impact investor sentiment. These stocks are also popular among analysts and elite hedge funds.
Why are we interested in the stocks that hedge funds pile into? The reason is simple: our research shows we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletter’s strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 427.7% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 264 percentage points (see more details here).
Best Marine Shipping Stocks to Buy Right Now
11. Matson, Inc. (NYSE:MATX)
Matson Inc. (NYSE:MATX) is one of the best marine shipping stocks to buy right now. On March 2, Matson Inc. formed a strategic partnership with BNSF Railway and War-Lok to launch an enhanced cargo security program.
The program adds two layers of protection to international cargo at no extra cost. Matson will use War-Lok devices on containers from Los Angeles to BNSF network destinations. There’s also an agreement to place Matson containers in the lower well of intermodal rail cars.
“We’re setting a new standard for carrier-led intermodal security. For key inland markets, Matson customers receive enhanced security at no extra cost,” said John Lauer, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer.
Separately, on February 24, Matson reported strong fourth-quarter results that exceeded expectations. Its China service benefited from high freight demand in key customer segments and a stable Transpacific trading environment.
Matson’s Q4 earnings per share (EPS) were $4.60, with net income at $143.1 million. Full-year EPS was $13.81. Quarterly revenue was $851.9 million, down from $890.3 million last year. The company repurchased 0.7 million shares for $78.1 million.
Matson expects Q1 2026 Ocean Transportation operating income of about $50 million, down from last year due to lower China service volume. Logistics income should also be modestly lower year over year.
Matson, Inc. is a leading U.S. provider of ocean transportation and logistics, operating a fleet of containerships and barges, offering premium, expedited shipping from China to Southern California.
10. Hafnia Limited (NYSE:HAFN)
Hafnia Ltd (NYSE:HAFN) is one of the best marine shipping stocks to buy right now. On February 26, Hafnia Ltd delivered the strongest quarterly results for 2025. The company posted net profit of $109.7 million, or $0.22 a share, compared to $79.6 million, or $ 0.16 a share, in the same quarter in 2024. Time charter equivalent earnings totaled $259 million, up from $233.6 million in Q4 2024.
Fourth-quarter results were aided by scheduled drydocking, resulting in 550 off-hire days. CEO Mikael Skov expects strong drydocking in 2026 but fewer off-hire days. Full-year net profit was $339.7 million ($0.68/share), versus $774 million ($1.52/share) in 2024. Fee-based earnings totaled $29.8 million, down from $35.2 million in 2024.
Amid the solid financial results, Hafnia continues to divest older tonnage. Early in the year, the company completed the sale of a 2013-built MR vessel and took delivery of the Ecomar Gironde. In addition to fleet divestment and renewal, Hafnia has also reiterated its commitment to returning value to shareholders through dividend payouts.
“We announce an 80% payout ratio for Q4: $87.7 million dividends, or $0.1762 per share. Total 2025 dividends are $0.5457 per share, yielding about 10%,” said Skov.
Hafnia Limited is the world’s largest owner and operator of product and chemical tankers, specializing in the transportation of refined oil products, chemicals, and vegetable oils. As part of BW Group, the company manages a fleet of over 200 vessels.
9. SFL Corporation Ltd. (NYSE:SFL)
SFL Corporation Ltd. (NYSE:SFL) is one of the best marine shipping stocks to buy right now. On February 11, SFL Corporation Ltd delivered solid fourth-quarter 2025 results, with $3.7 billion in fixed revenue backlog.
Fourth quarter revenue was $175.51 million for Q4, down from $178.21 million last year. Adjusted EBITDA reached $109 million. Net loss was $5 million ($0.04 per share). The company gained $52 million by selling two 2015 Suezmax tankers. It also invested $23 million in two 2020-built Suezmax tankers, strengthening its tanker market position.
The board declared a $0.20 quarterly dividend, payable March 20 to shareholders of record on March 12, 2026. This marks the 88th consecutive quarterly dividend.
SFL Corporation Ltd. owns, operates, and charters a diversified fleet that includes tankers, dry bulk carriers, container vessels, and offshore drilling rigs. With a focus on long-term contracts, the company prioritizes the transport of oil, dry bulk, and automobiles while generating stable cash flow for shareholders.
8. Genco Shipping & Trading Limited (NYSE:GNK)
Genco Shipping & Trading Limited is one of the best marine shipping stocks to buy right now. On February 19, Alliance Global Partners downgraded Genco Shipping & Trading Limited from Buy to Neutral, citing limited upside after strong share gains.
Analyst C. K. Poe Fratt noted the firm doubts the current buyout offer and doesn’t expect DSX board changes to succeed. Shares rose 32% last year, aided by a cash buyout offer. With a 2026 EV/EBITDA of 7.4×, the stock fairly reflects the dry bulk market, offering a balanced risk/reward profile.
Separately, on February 17, Genco reported solid Q4 results as it advanced its value strategy and invested in its fleet. Net income was $15.4 million; adjusted net income was $17.3 million, or $0.40 per share. Voyage revenues reached $109.9 million; net revenue was $77.2 million.
“Drawing on our significant cash flow in Q4, we declared a multi-year high dividend of $0.50 per share, which marks the Company’s 26th consecutive dividend and the longest uninterrupted period in our drybulk peer group. Including the Q4 payment, total dividends to shareholders over the past 6.5 years will increase to $7.565 per share, or 34% of our current share price. Complementing this sizeable return of capital, we have continued to take advantage of Genco’s significant financial strength, investing $343 million in high specification Capesize and Newcastlemax vessels since 2023.” Said John C. Wobensmith, Chief Executive Officer
Genco Shipping & Trading Limited is a leading international shipping company that owns and operates a fleet of drybulk carriers for transporting major and minor bulk commodities, such as iron ore, coal, and grain. It provides global shipping services using Capesize, Panamax, and Supramax vessels.
7. Ardmore Shipping Corporation (NYSE:ASC)
Ardmore Shipping Corporation (NYSE:ASC) is one of the best marine shipping stocks to buy right now. On February 12, Ardmore Shipping Corp delivered impressive financial results for the three and 12 months ended December 31, 2025.
The company benefited from increased revenue days and the expansion of its owned fleet. During the year, the company also completed its scheduled drydocking program, including multiple vessel upgrades.
Net income attributable to common stockholders for the three months ended December 31 stood at $9.3 million or $0.28 a share. It was a significant improvement from $5.1 million or $0.12 a share delivered in the same period the prior year. Revenue in the period was up $0.9 million to $82.9 million as the number of operating vessels increased slightly to 26.1 from 26 in the prior year’s same period.
Full-year net income shrank to $36.1 million or $0.89 a share compared to net income of $128.6 million or $3.09 million delivered in 2024. It ended the year in a strong financial position with $272.2 million in liquidity available and cash and cash equivalents of 446.8 million
Gernot Ruppelt, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, commented: “Freight markets have continued to rally due to long-term structural trends and near-term geopolitical dynamics. We are capturing these conditions through strong spot market exposure and Ardmore’s global operating platform, while locking in selective high-quality term charters to reinforce a robust earnings profile. As ever, we remain nimble in positioning Ardmore optimally within a complex, fast-moving environment, while staying focused on our strategic priorities and delivering long-term value.”
Ardmore Shipping Corporation owns and operates a fleet of mid-sized product and chemical tankers, providing worldwide seaborne transportation of petroleum products and chemicals for oil majors, traders, and chemical companies. Founded in 2010, the company focuses on modern, eco-design vessels, operating through voyage charters, time charters, and commercial pools.
6. Euroseas Ltd. (NASDAQ:ESEA)
Euroseas Ltd. (NASDAQ:ESEA) is one of the best marine shipping stocks to buy right now. On February 25, Euroseas Ltd. delivered a record fourth-quarter earnings per share, benefiting from higher container ship charter rates. In addition, the company has started 2026 on a roll with the entire fleet chartered at a profitable rate.
Revenue in the fourth quarter of 2025 totaled $57.4 million, representing a 7.7% increase from Q4 of 2024. Revenue increased due to higher time charter rates, partly offset by a decrease in the number of vessels operating. Net income of $40.5 million, or $5.79 diluted earnings per share, was much higher than the $24.4 million net income in the fourth quarter of 2024.
Full-year net revenues were up 7% to $227.9 million, attributed to an increase in the number of vessels owned and operated. Net income was also up to $137 million compared to $112.8 million for the 12 months of 2024.
Amid solid fourth-quarter and full-year results, Euroseas has also reaffirmed its commitment to shareholder value. The company has already declared a $0.75-per-share quarterly dividend, payable on March 17. The company continues to return value through buybacks, having repurchased $11.36 million worth of common stock as of February 25.
Euroseas Ltd. is a Greece-based shipping company that owns and operates a fleet of container ships and, historically, dry bulk carriers, providing worldwide ocean-going transportation services. They transport containerized cargo (manufactured products, perishables) and dry bulk cargo (iron ore, coal, grains) via spot and period charters.
5. Nordic American Tankers Limited (NYSE:NAT)
Nordic American Tankers Limited (NYSE:NAT) is one of the best marine shipping stocks to buy right now. On March 3, Nordic American Tankers Limited announced insider purchases of 400,000 shares. CEO Herbjorn Hansson bought 200,000 shares at $5.70, raising his stake to 5.5 million, while Vice-Chair Alexander Hansson acquired 200,000 shares at $5.70, bringing his holdings to 5.55 million. The stock has surged 172% over the past year.
On February 26, Nordic American Tankers Limited delivered solid fourth-quarter and full-year results as demand for ships accelerated. The company bounced back to profitability, reporting a net profit of $11.7 million compared to a net loss of $2.8 million in the third quarter. Adjusted EBITDA in the quarter totaled $34.7 million, an improvement from $13.3 million in the third quarter.
As of the end of 2025, Nordic American Tankers operated a fleet of 20 well-maintained Suezmax tankers, offering a combination of economies of scale and flexibility. During the quarter, the company delivered two vessels sold, as it also entered into a sales agreement for a 2003-built tanker.
Amid the divestment spree, the company continues to capitalize on the high demand for oil transportation, especially in emerging economies. Increased pressure on the shadow fleet and transportation of sanctioned oil is increasing demand for compliant ships. Consequently, nearly two-thirds of the company’s spot days in the first quarter are already booked at $55,000 a day, affirming the strong demand.
The company’s board has also approved a $0.17-per-share dividend, payable on March 24 to shareholders of record as of March 10.
Nordic American Tankers Limited is an international shipping company that owns and operates a homogeneous fleet of approximately 20 double-hull Suezmax crude oil tankers. They specialize exclusively in transporting crude oil globally, operating primarily in the spot market where vessels are chartered for single voyages.
4. Star Bulk Carriers Corp. (NASDAQ:SBLK)
Star Bulk Carriers Corp. (NASDAQ:SBLK) is one of the best marine shipping stocks to buy right now. On February 25, Chief Executive Officer Petros Pappas reiterated that Star Bulk Carriers Corp. continues to execute on a balanced capital allocation strategy combining dividends and opportunistic share buybacks.
The remarks come on the heels of solid fourth-quarter and full-year results. Net income in the quarter increased to $65.2 million, or $0.57 a share, compared to $42.4 million, or $0.36 a share, in Q4 of 2024. Voyage revenues in the quarter decreased to $300.6 million from $308.9 million in the same period last year. The decline was due to a decrease in the fleet to 137.5 million from 153.1 million.
Full-year voyage revenue was also down to $1.04 billion compared to $1.265 billion delivered in 2024. Full-year net income also shrank to $84.17 million compared to $304 million delivered in 2024. The company’s board has also approved a quarterly dividend of $0.37 payable on March 19, 2026. The board is to distribute 100% of the cash flow from operations after debt service.
“Looking ahead, the dry bulk market has started 2026 with counter seasonal strength across all vessel segments, a constructive signal for the period ahead. Despite a growing order book, the aging fleet and ongoing renewal requirements, combined with structural demand supported by global infrastructure needs, underpin our optimism for the dry bulk market over the next couple of years. Star Bulk, with its scale, diverse and efficient fleet, and strong financial position, remains well placed to capitalize on this favorable backdrop and continue creating value for its shareholders,” Pappas said.
Star Bulk Carriers Corp. is a global shipping company based in Greece that owns and operates a large, diverse fleet of dry bulk carrier vessels. They specialize in the worldwide seaborne transportation of dry bulk commodities, including iron ore, coal, grain, bauxite, fertilizers, and steel products.
3. BW LPG Limited (NYSE:BWLP)
BW LPG Limited (NYSE:BWLP) is one of the best marine shipping stocks to buy right now. On March 3, BW LPG Limited delivered impressive fourth-quarter and full-year results. The company posted adjusted earnings per share of $0.69 for the fourth quarter, better than the $0.51 a share expected.
Revenue in the quarter totaled $258.21 million, beating consensus estimates of $210.8 million. Profit attributable to shareholders in the quarter totaled $104 million, driven by strong shipping. Net profit after tax totaled $123 million, yielding an annualized return of 26%.
The Product Service segment finished the year on a strong footing with a gross profit of $27 million and net profit of $23 million. Additionally, the board has approved a quarterly cash dividend of $0.57 a share, translating to 100% of Shipping NPAT for Q4 2025.
For the current fiscal year, BW LPG Limited has secured 36% of its fleet capacity on fixed-rate time with a charter at $43,700 a day. It has also secured an additional 4% through FFA hedges at an average price of $47,900 a day.
BW LPG Limited is the world’s leading owner and operator of Very Large Gas Carriers (VLGC), specializing in the global transportation of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). Headquartered in Singapore, the company operates a fleet of approximately 50-55 vessels, including dual-fuel LPG ships, and operates an in-house trading division to provide integrated, safe, and sustainable energy delivery services.
2. Frontline Ltd. (NYSE:FRO)
Frontline Ltd. (NYSE:FRO) is one of the best marine shipping stocks to buy right now. On February 27, analysts at Evercore ISI reiterated their Outperform rating on Frontline Ltd. and raised the price target to $42 from $31. The price target hike is in response to solid fourth-quarter 2025 results.
The company delivered adjusted earnings per share of $1.03, beating the research firm’s estimate by one cent. During the quarter, it achieved average daily spot time charter equivalent earnings of $74,200 for VLCCs, $53,800 for Suezmax tankers, and $33,500 per day for LR2/Aframax tankers.
“The fourth quarter of 2025 reinforced the positive momentum established in the third quarter. For several years, Frontline has maintained that the growing imbalance between oil demand growth and limited fleet supply would create a constructive market environment and the firm trend has carried into the first quarter of 2026,” said Lars H. Barstad, Chief Executive Officer.
Evercore ISI has consequently raised its first-quarter 2026 earnings-per-share forecast for Frontline to $1.53 from $1.14.
In addition, the company asserted its commitment to shareholder value by announcing a $1.03 quarterly dividend representing a 100% payout. It marks the eighth consecutive quarter that the company has paid dividends.
Frontline Ltd. is a leading international shipping company primarily focused on the seaborne transportation of crude oil and refined products. Operating one of the world’s largest modern tanker fleets, they specialize in using VLCC, Suezmax, and Aframax/LR2 tankers for global oil logistics.
1. Scorpio Tankers Inc. (NYSE:STNG)
Scorpio Tankers Inc. (NYSE:STNG) is one of the best marine shipping stocks to buy right now. On March 5, Scorpio Tankers Inc. announced agreements to sell three 2015-built scrubber-fitted tankers: MR vessels STI Seneca and STI Osceola at $35 million each, and LR2 tanker STI Solidarity for $60 million, with closings expected in Q1 or Q2 2026.
The vessels carry $20.2 million in debt under the company’s $1 billion 2023 credit facility. Scorpio Tankers also agreed to time charter LR2 tankers STI Lombard (5 years at $33,000/day) and STI Rambla (8 years at $30,500/day), starting Q1–Q2 2026.
On February 14, Evercore ISI reiterated an Outperform rating on Scorpio Tankers but cut the price target to $83 from $86. The price target cut comes on the company delivering higher General and Administrative expenses.
The company delivered adjusted net income of $80 million, or $1.62 per diluted share, for the fourth quarter, a significant improvement from $30.3 million, or $0.63 per share, delivered in Q4 2024. Adjusted net income for the full year totaled $269.5 million or $5.51 per diluted share, a significant reduction from $512.9 million or $10.08 per diluted share delivered in 2024.
On the other hand, B. Riley analyst Liam Burke raised the stock’s price target to $90 from $80 and reiterated a Buy rating. The raise is in response to the company’s fourth quarter time charter equivalent revenue increasing to $241.4 million from $192.1 million a year ago.
Time Charter equivalent revenue for the full year totaled $901 million with an adjusted EBITDA of $568 million and operating cash flow of $517 million. During the year, the company reduced its indebtedness by $2.5 billion, exiting with 91 product tankers.
Scorpio Tankers Inc. reiterated its focus on operating a high-quality fleet, supported by a strong balance sheet capable of generating attractive returns and returns to shareholders. On February 11, the company’s board approved a quarterly dividend of $0.45 per share, payable on March 20 to shareholders of record as of March 6.
Scorpio Tankers Inc. is a global provider of responsible seaborne transportation, operating a fleet of 93 tankers—37 LR2, 42 MR, and 14 Handymax—through ownership, finance leases, or bareboat charters.
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