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. (NYSE:MATX) 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. (NYSE:MATX) 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 (NYSE:HAFN) 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 (NYSE:HAFN) 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 (NYSE:SFL) 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. (NYSE:SFL) 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 (NYSE:GNK) 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 (NYSE:GNK) 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 (NYSE:ASC) 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 (NYSE:ASC) 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. (NASDAQ:ESEA) 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. (NASDAQ:ESEA) 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.

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