Dry Bulk Market On Solid Footing

By Jeffrey Landsberg


With the new year fast approaching, it is encouraging — and not surprising — that the dry bulk market finds itself on solid footing.  Capesize rates ended last week up year-on-year by 236%, panamax rates up by 37%, supramax rates up by 29%, and handysize rates up by 27%.  Fleet growth remains moderate and manageable.  Most recently, approximately 39 newbuildings were delivered in November, which was 4 less than were delivered in October.  Approximately 3 vessels were scrapped, which was 2 less than were scrapped in October.  When all is said and done this year, the fleet will have grown by a net addition of around 375 vessels.  For 2026, we expect the fleet will grow by a net addition of at least another 375 vessels. Going forward, we remain bullish — and in particular, most bullish for the capesize market.