Bulk carrier deliveries heading for decade highs in 2026

The global bulk carrier fleet is set for a wave of ~700 new vessel deliveries in 2026 – the strongest year since the 2010–2013 peak.

Chart in IFCHOR GALBRAITHS brand colours showing bulk carrier deliveries and orderbook from 2009 to 2026. Stacked bars illustrate deliveries of Capesize, Panamax, Supramax, and Handy vessels, peaking in 2011–2012 above 1,200 ships, declining steadily until 2020, then gradually recovering with a sharp increase projected in 2025–2026.

The global bulk carrier fleet is set for a wave of ~700 new vessel deliveries in 2026 – the strongest year since the 2010–2013 peak.

Growth will be driven by Ultramax and Kamsarmax segments, where orderbooks point to exceptionally strong additions. The key question is whether demand fundamentals can keep pace – or if the sector risks sliding into oversupply of ships.

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