Bulk Carriers News

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines' MOL Ocean Bulk has signed a 25-year contract with Vale International to transport iron ore using two 210,000-tonne ore carriers equipped with tri-fuel propulsion systems capable of running on ethanol, methanol and conventional heavy fuel oil.The vessels, described as the world's first ore carriers of their size with the tri-fuel propulsion system, are scheduled for delivery in 2030 and will primarily transport Vale's iron ore from Brazil to destinations worldwide…

"During the first three quarters of 2026, US dry bulk shipments to China have grown 104% y/y, driven by a 176% y/y increase in the shipment of grains. Volumes between the two countries weakened in 2025 amid rising trade tensions and higher tariffs. However, an agreement reached in November 2025 lowered tariffs on US grains and set import targets for US soya beans, allowing shipments to partly recover in 2026,” says Filipe Gouveia, Shipping Analysis Manager at BIMCO.US coal and petcoke shipments to China have also strengthened so far this year, with coal up 44% y/y and petcoke up 33% y/y.

Hong Kong-based Jinhui Shipping and Transportation has ordered two 64,500-dwt bulk carriers from Jiangmen Nanyang Ship Engineering for a combined $71.4 million as part of a fleet renewal and expansion program.Two wholly owned Jinhui subsidiaries signed separate shipbuilding contracts on September 21, each valued at $35.7 million.The first vessel is scheduled for delivery by August 31, 2029, followed by the second by September 30, 2029. Both ships will be built to the same specifications.Jinhui…

Yangzijiang Maritime Development has ordered 24 vessels from various Chinese shipyards for delivery between 2028 and 2030, expanding its newbuild portfolio across bulk carriers, chemical and product tankers and large oil tankers.The new orders comprise six 64,500-dwt bulk carriers, six 49,800-dwt product oil and chemical tankers, four 28,000-dwt stainless steel chemical tankers, four 29,000-dwt stainless steel chemical tankers and four 319,000-dwt oil tankers.The bulk carriers and 319…

Diana Shipping has announced, that following nine months of what it called “avoiding engagement,” Genco Board has demanded consideration valued at approximately $36.91 per share — a 57% premium to Genco’s undisturbed share price at the time of Diana’s last offer.“Genco’s demands are completely disconnected from the reality of what a credible buyer could reasonably be expected to pay,” said the company in a statement, announcing the withdrawal of its offer to acquire outstanding…

A major Ukrainian attack on Russia's Black Sea port city of Novorossiysk hit warships at a naval base and forced two major grain terminals to halt operations on Wednesday, according to Russian and Ukrainian officials as well as grain industry sources.The Ukrainian attacks killed at least two people, including an 8-year-old child, regional Governor Veniamin Kondratyev said.Describing the attack as having "strategic significance", Ukraine's SBU security service said Kyiv's forces hit the Novorossiysk naval base with drones and missiles.

SimFer, the Joint Venture between the Government of Guinea, Rio Tinto and the Chinalco-led CIOH Consortium, has named its first transhipment vessel (TSV), Wontanara.The vessel will be deployed to support Simandou, the largest greenfield mining and related infrastructure project in Africa, where it will become the first of five specialized TSV vessels supporting SimFer’s marine logistics operations at the Port of Morebaya in Guinea.Each specially designed TSV will transport more than 40…

Castor Maritime has acquired a 2024-built Kamsarmax bulk carrier for $41.9 million and completed the delivery of a second vessel, expanding its fleet to 11 ships.The company said it acquired the M/V Magic Saturn from an unaffiliated third party through a wholly owned subsidiary and took delivery of the vessel on June 29.On June 29, Castor also took delivery of the M/V Magic Jupiter, a 2023-built modern eco Kamsarmax bulk carrier, following an acquisition agreement announced on June 22.Both vessel acquisitions were funded with cash on hand…

Australian mining company Fortescue has signed an agreement with Belgian shipping and cleantech group CMB.TECH to charter up to 12 ammonia-capable bulk carriers, stepping up efforts to decarbonize maritime transport and support the development of green ammonia as a marine fuel.Under the agreement, Fortescue will charter 12 Newcastlemax dry bulk vessels, each with a carrying capacity of 210,000 deadweight tonnes, from Bocimar, the dry bulk shipping arm of CMB.TECH.Up to three of the vessels will be delivered with dual-fuel ammonia engines and are expected to enter service by the end of 2026…

LH2 Shipping has been awarded Enova support of NOK 344,3 million for the development and construction of two additional liquid hydrogen-powered bulk carriers.With the latest award, LH2 Shipping is now involved in the development of six hydrogen-powered bulk carrier projects. The announcement builds on previous Enova-supported vessel initiatives and reflects growing momentum for liquid hydrogen as a viable fuel alternative for short-sea shipping to meet decarbonizing policy goals.The…

A bulk carrier managed by Wallem Group has rescued two Filipino fishermen from a sinking fishing boat near the Babuyan Islands off the Philippines while on a voyage from Australia to Vietnam.The vessel was carrying 80,000 tonnes of coal from Abbot Point, Australia, to Cam Pha, Vietnam when the crew spotted a distressed fishing boat at about 08:35 local time in May.According to Wallem, the fishermen were waving for assistance as their vessel encountered difficulties.Under the direction of the ship's master, the bulk carrier stopped and launched its rescue boat.

Seanergy Maritime, a pure-play Capesize shipping company, has reported its Q1 financial results with net revenue of $42.9 million, compared to $24.2 million in the first quarter of 2025.Net income and adjusted net income for the quarter were $9.7 million and $13.4 million, respectively, compared to net loss of $6.8 million and adjusted net loss of $5.5 million in the first quarter of 2025.EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA for the quarter were $23.6 million and $28.1 million, respectively…

INTERCARGO has published the first dedicated ship-to-ship (STS) transfer guidelines for dry bulk carriers, as such operations expand into new trading regions and offshore locations with limited port infrastructure.The ‘Ship to Ship Transfer Guidelines for Bulk Carriers’ establishes a framework for dry bulk STS operations, covering planning, risk assessment, maneuvering, fendering, cargo handling and emergency response procedures.STS transfers are increasingly used in dry bulk shipping where ports cannot accommodate vessel size…

South Korean shipper HMM said on Wednesday it had secured a vessel to tow a bulk carrier it operates to a port in Dubai after an explosion and fire damaged the ship, which had been stranded in the Strait of Hormuz.U.S. President Donald Trump blamed the incident on an Iranian attack, while South Korea's Foreign Ministry said the cause of the fire would only be confirmed after the vessel was towed back to port and inspected.HMM said in a text message that the damaged vessel was expected to arrive in Dubai on Thursday night or Friday morning Seoul time.The Panama-flagged ship…

"The Iran war and the resulting disruptions to ship transits through the Strait of Hormuz have increased uncertainty for both the global economy and the dry bulk market. Around 4% of dry bulk cargoes and tonne mile demand typically sail through the strait and at present, and around 210 ships, equivalent to roughly 1% of the dry bulk fleet, are currently trapped in the Persian Gulf,” says Filipe Gouveia, Shipping Analysis Manager at BIMCO.Given the high uncertainty over when transits may resume, we present two forecast scenarios.

Rio Tinto has signed a contract with NS United Kaiun Kaisha (NSU) to charter two methanol-capable dual-fuel Newcastlemax bulk carriers for delivery from 2028 onwards.The agreement reflects Rio Tinto’s long-term approach to shaping its freight portfolio by future-proofing the fleet today while industry regulations on decarbonization continue to evolve.Rio Tinto Head of Commercial Operations, Laure Baratgin, said: “Shipping is entering a period of significant transition, but the pace, direction and economics of alternative fuels remain uncertain.

Brazilian mining firm Vale has signed an agreement with China's Shandong Shipping Corporation to build the world’s first ocean-going vessels powered primarily by ethanol, as part of efforts to cut emissions in maritime transport.The agreement covers the construction of two Guaibamax bulk carriers under 25-year contracts, with delivery scheduled from 2029 and options for additional vessels.The ships will be capable of running on ethanol, methanol and conventional bunker fuel, with…

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) is warning maritime employers that failure to meet minimum standards for seafarers’ living and working conditions may result in serious consequences.Employers are required to provide the timely payment of wages, safe accommodation, adequate rest and access to support, in line with their obligations under the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC).Earlier this week, AMSA boarded the Liberia-flagged vessel BBG Wuzhou when it docked in Newcastle and conducted a comprehensive inspection.

Swan Defence and Heavy Industries Limited (SDHI) has secured an order from Energy ONE Limited to build four ammonia dual-fuel bulk carriers, marking the first such vessels to be constructed in India.The contract covers four 92,500-deadweight tonne bulk carriers, which will be among the largest commercial ships built at an Indian yard, the company said.The vessels will measure about 229.5 meters in length with a beam of 37 meters and will be equipped with ammonia-fueled propulsion systems.

Following successful pilot projects and the first full-scale installation on a seagoing vessel, the Vertom Tula, Wattlab is now taking the next step: scaling its Solar Flatrack solution towards the international bulk shipping market.Currently, Solar Flatracks can be deployed on vessels up to and including the Supramax segment. In parallel, Wattlab has started the development of seaworthy solar solutions for Panamax and even Capesize bulk carriers.Wattlab, a specialist in solar power for shipping…

"During the first 11 weeks of 2026, bauxite shipments have surged 16% y/y, driven by strong Chinese demand for Guinean cargoes. Guinean bauxite has remained highly competitive, accounting for 79% of shipments and pushing non-Guinean bauxite shipments down 3% y/y. Bauxite has been one of the fastest growing dry bulk commodities, growing 10% on average between 2021 and 2025,” says Filipe Gouveia, Shipping Analysis Manager at BIMCO.Rising bauxite shipments are driven by China’s need…

NYK Group has reached an agreement with the Norwegian shipping company Westfal- Larsen Group to fully acquire Saga Welco.Saga Welco, a Norwegian shipping operator specializing in transporting cargo via open-hatch vessels, is currently jointly owned by NHE and the Westfal-Larsen Group, with each party holding a 50% stake. The transaction is expected to be finalized within 2026, subject to regulatory approvals in various jurisdictions.Saga Welco operates a fleet of 48 open-hatch vessels and offers worldwide semi-liner services originating principally from the east coast of South America.

"Despite increasing trade policy uncertainty and falling freight rates, the container ship order book has continued to expand. It now totals more than 1,350 ships with a combined capacity of 11.8m TEU,” says Niels Rasmussen, Chief Shipping Analyst at BIMCO.In 2025, global average container freight rates fell an estimated 13% year-on-year while US import tariff increases raised concerns about increasing trade protectionism. Despite this, global container volumes grew 4.7% year-on-year…