anker ordering has reached record levels in 2026, but with much of the existing fleet ageing, rising newbuilding activity comes against a growing need for fleet renewal.
Focus on tanker fleet: Record orders and an ageing fleet
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China is back in the U.S. soybean market—and so is long-haul grain freight demand
Last Friday, Chinese buyers purchased at least 13 cargoes (0.8Mt) of new-crop U.S. soybeans, bringing total 2026/27 season purchases to around 5Mt.
Indonesia coal loadings fall to multi-month low as El Niño drought squeezes river barges
Indonesian coal loadings fell to 10.2Mt/wk last week, down -18% YoY and -18% MoM, reaching a 2026 low and approaching a 3-year low.
Organic chemical trade: utilisation is aided by reshaping trade flows despite the drop in volumes
Ongoing disruptions in the Middle East Gulf are reshaping methanol and glycol trade flows. But what do these changes mean for chemical tanker utilisation?
Guinea bauxite loadings slump as Winning shifts transhipment capacity to Simandou
Guinea’s bauxite loadings slumped to 1.3 Mt/wk last week, down -50% WoW and -38% YoY.
Black Sea grain under pressure: what prolonged disruption could mean for freight markets
As disruption persists in the Black Sea, IFCHOR GALBRAITHS Research explores the potential implications for grain exports, freight markets and vessel demand.
Hormuz: from war risk to transit tolls?
Dry bulk transits through the Strait of Hormuz fell to just 38 vessels last week (-7% WoW, -70% YoY), reflecting renewed geopolitical tensions after the ceasefire collapsed.
Seven freight indicators every dry bulk shipowner should monitor this summer
The analysis is based on IFCHOR GALBRAITHS’ latest Focus On: El Niño & Implications, which examines how evolving weather patterns could influence coal, grains, bauxite, iron ore and key freight chokepoints over the coming year.
Beyond Guinea: Liberia’s iron ore export boom accelerates
While Guinea’s Simandou project dominates headlines, Liberia is quietly emerging as West Africa’s other iron ore success story.
China now buys 61% of the world’s traded soybeans
IFCHOR GALBRAITHS has launched Agri Markets 360, a new annual research report providing comprehensive analysis of global agricultural trade, export flows, logistics and shipping demand across the world’s major agricultural markets.
Russian coal loadings hit 5-year high
Russian coal loadings reached 5.6Mt/wk last week, up +41% MoM and +35% YoY to a fresh 5-year high.
Focus on: Iranian export waivers
A new US sanctions waiver marks a step towards the return of Iranian oil to international markets, signalling potential shifts in global energy markets and tanker demand.
Iran’s grain suppliers unlikely to change despite US talks
Despite speculation that improving US-Iran relations could revive US grain exports, Iran’s central bank governor stated that existing agreements do not require purchases of US agricultural products.
Hormuz reopening may unlock 1Mt of trapped fertilizers, but recovery will be gradual
If the announced framework for a 60-day US-Iran ceasefire is signed on Friday, it could pave the way for a gradual reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, allowing fertilizer cargoes stranded inside the Gulf to resume moving.
Methanol MEG Export Dislocations
Methanol exports from the Middle Eastern Gulf face significant disruption, driving price increases and supply challenges worldwide.
China’s bauxite inventories continue to rise despite firmer prices
China’s bauxite inventories continue to rise despite firmer prices and concerns over Guinean supply.
Laura Gomez: Follow the data and challenge your assumptions
Dry bulk shipping research is not just about data — it is about knowing what matters, what can be trusted, and what the market may be missing.
Guinea bauxite loadings signal tightening global supply
Guinea’s expected bauxite export curbs from Jun’26 are already weighing on shipments.
Focus on: US strategic petroleum reserves
Record SPR releases have supported US crude exports and tanker demand. As the programme nears its end, questions over the next phase are growing.
Focus on: Venezuelan oil markets
Venezuelan crude production has exhibited a sharp rebound since the start of 2026, with levels currently sitting at 1.02m b/d, marking the 2nd highest level of production seen since late 2018.