International Seaways, Inc. (NYSE: INSW)

by | Jun 25, 2025 | Daily Trade Alerts

International Seaways, Inc. (NYSE: INSW) – Tanker Power with Capital Discipline

International Seaways, Inc. (NYSE: INSW) is one of the largest independent crude and product tanker companies in the world, operating a modern fleet of 77 vessels transporting oil and refined products across global trade routes.

Unlike many shipping peers, INSW has consistently prioritized capital returns, low leverage, and fleet optimization—putting it in prime position to benefit from a constrained tanker supply environment and booming long-haul trades.

The Bigger Picture: What INSW Transports

INSW’s fleet includes:

  • VLCCs (Very Large Crude Carriers): 20 vessels hauling crude on long-haul routes (e.g. Mideast to Asia, U.S. to China)
  • Aframaxes, Suezmaxes, LR1s, MRs: Serving global refined product flows, including clean fuels and distillates
  • Spot and Time-Charter Mix: Offers upside to strong rates with some revenue stability

With the post-COVID shift in trade patterns and sanctions on Russian oil, tankers are sailing longer distances—boosting ton-miles and tightening supply.

Key Catalysts Driving INSW’s Momentum

  1. Tanker Supply Crunch: The order book for new tankers is at historic lows due to ESG constraints and financing hesitancy—creating tight supply for years.
  2. Geopolitical Rerouting: Middle East and Russia-related shipping detours have added 15–40% more sailing distance per voyage.
  3. Massive Free Cash Flow: INSW generated over $250M in FCF in the last 12 months—supporting debt reduction and dividends.
  4. Aggressive Buybacks & Dividends: Management is returning significant cash to shareholders—over $300M since early 2023.
  5. Undervalued on NAV and Earnings: INSW trades at just 4.5x EV/EBITDA and below net asset value, despite multi-year earnings visibility.

Technical Analysis: INSW’s Uptrend Holds

  • Moving Averages: Stock is holding above its 50-day and 200-day moving averages—classic uptrend confirmation.
  • MACD: Bullish crossover confirmed in mid-June; histogram positive and rising.
  • RSI: RSI at 64—healthy bullish territory with momentum intact.
  • Chart Structure: Recent breakout above $52 has held support; next resistance lies at $56.75 and $60.00.
  • Volume Trends: Consistent institutional buying, with notable spikes on breakout days.

Potential Risks to Consider

  • Rate Volatility: Tanker day rates can swing wildly based on macro factors, including OPEC cuts and demand shifts.
  • Regulatory Risk: New environmental standards could increase compliance costs for older tankers.
  • China Demand Sensitivity: As the largest crude importer, China’s consumption trends materially affect INSW’s volumes and margins.


International Seaways combines the cyclical upside of global trade with disciplined capital allocation and shareholder returns. For investors looking for energy-linked exposure without upstream volatility, INSW could be a smart anchor for 2025.

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