2026: a decade-high in bulk deliveries

Bulk carrier deliveries in Cal’26 are set to hit their highest level since 2012, signalling a cyclical peak in fleet expansion.

Bulk carrier deliveries in 2026 are projected to reach a decade-high, driven primarily by Kamsarmax and Ultramax fleet expansion, while the VLOC segment re-enters the delivery cycle.

Supply growth is concentrated in the mid-size segments, with Kamsarmax and Ultramax accounting for most incoming capacity. This rapid build in the most commercially flexible ship sizes risks outpacing growth in coal, grains and minor bulks trades, which could temporarily weaken fleet utilisation.

In parallel, the ore carriers (VLOC) segment re-enters the delivery cycle from mid-26 after a pause of nearly 3 years, with owners positioning for expanding long-haul mineral trades between West Africa and Asia.

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