Dry bulk markets for Ultramax and Handysize vessels showed mixed signals during the week ending 13 March 2026, as bunker volatility, geopolitical tensions, and rising tonnage supply shaped trading patterns across Atlantic and Pacific routes
Freight markets show selective resilience and disciplined consolidation across basins in the week that closed on 27 February 2026, with Ultramax and Handysize segments defending gains rather than extending them
Freight markets turned sharply cautious in the week that closed on 27 February 2026, as escalating tensions and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz forced a reassessment of risk, routing and pricing across global dry bulk trades
During the week of 15–21 February 2026, global shipping was reshaped by Hapag-Lloyd’s $4.2bn ZIM bid, Hormuz tensions, surging tanker rates, container overcapacity, Ukrainian port strikes, and bold Greek newbuilding orders
Global Ultramax and Handysize markets navigated mixed momentum during the week ending February 20, 2026, as regional corrections, seasonal slowdowns, and shifting tonnage balances shaped freight rate direction across key Atlantic and Pacific basins
The dry bulk market gained broad-based momentum in the week ended February 13, 2026, with all vessel classes posting firm advances ahead of the Lunar New Year, led by Capesize strength across Pacific and Atlantic routes
The dry bulk market corrected sharply after a three-week rally, led by Capesize losses, according to data from the week that closed on 6 February 2026
For those in global shipping, the greatest threat is not deglobalisation, but demography. China’s demographic decline is already reshaping demand, commodity consumption, and the very structure of global supply chains in profound ways
The global shipping outlook for 2026 is a masterclass in self-sabotage. After years of record profits, the industry has enthusiastically ordered enough new ships to guarantee a spectacular collapse in freight rates, creating chaos
A market entering February with quiet strength, based on data from the week ending 30 January 2026, as Ultramax and Handy segments show resilience, disciplined positioning, and measured upside potential across key basins