ICE launches freight risk contracts across key tanker and container routes

Traders Union
All News
Financial News
ICE freight contracts launch

Highlights

Intercontinental Exchange launched new tanker and container freight futures and options tied to key global shipping routes to help hedge against freight rate volatility.
The new contracts include the first-ever TD34 Gulf of Oman–China and TD15 West Africa–China VLCC tanker freight futures, targeting voyages affected by Strait of Hormuz disruptions.
ICE's freight complex now exceeds 90 contracts on over 30 global routes, broadening client risk management options amid rising geopolitical uncertainties and shifting trade patterns.

New products target disrupted trade corridors

As reported by Intercontinental Exchange, the company has launched new tanker and container freight futures and options tied to major global shipping routes, expanding its freight offering as customers seek protection against rate swings.

The new products include the first tanker freight futures on the TD34 Gulf of Oman to China and TD15 West Africa to China Very Large Crude Carrier routes. The cash-settled contracts are based on Baltic Exchange price assessments and are designed to help market participants hedge voyages affected by restricted access through the Strait of Hormuz.

ICE has also introduced two cash-settled container freight average price options, FAN Asia to North Europe and FAW Asia to U.S. West Coast. The contracts build on equivalent freight futures launched in April 2026 and are indexed to NYSHEX's Freight Indices, giving customers added flexibility on two of the world's busiest cargo lanes.

Broader freight market reach and risk management

The additions take ICE's freight complex to more than 90 contracts across over 30 global routes spanning wet and container freight. The company positions freight within its wider energy network, where oil benchmarks price the commodity itself while freight markets determine the cost of moving cargo between ports.

Jeff Barbuto, SVP and global head of oil markets at ICE, says geopolitical developments are continuing to reshape established trade routes and reprice risk well beyond the Gulf. He says vessel rerouting, shifts to alternative crude supply sources and ongoing disruption around the Strait of Hormuz are increasing the need for direct and transparent hedging tools.

ICE says its freight contracts sit alongside marine and high sulphur fuel futures used by shipping companies globally, as well as oil benchmarks including Brent, ICE Midland WTI (HOU), ICE Dubai (Platts) and Low Sulphur Gasoil. The latest launch is aimed at helping customers manage both commodity exposure and transportation costs in one marketplace.

In our earlier article on rising drone attacks on commercial vessels, we explained how escalating threats in the Gulf, Red Sea and Black Sea are forcing shipowners—especially oil and gas carriers—to invest in onboard counter-drone defences. We also noted that these risks are reshaping shipping economics, with security concerns and rerouting pressure contributing to sharp increases in freight and charter costs on sensitive routes such as the Strait of Hormuz.

This material may contain third-party opinions, none of the data and information on this webpage constitutes investment advice according to our Disclaimer. While we adhere to strict Editorial Integrity, this post may contain references to products from our partners.