NNC expands fleet with two Kamsarmax vessels

The Panama Canal saw 9,944 transits and 423 million tonnes CP/SUAB in FY 2024, a significant drop due to drought, with dry bulk carrier transits down 107.2%.

Between January and August 2024, Chinese seaborne dry bulk imports rose 6% y/y, driven by inventory build-up, despite domestic concerns.

Shipowners have found stable dry bulk markets with narrow spot rate ranges and low scrapping, but recent trends show Capesize and Panamax rates falling.

In early 2024, dry bulk newbuild contracts dropped 34.2% despite favourable conditions, while second-hand sales rose 11.7% amid rising prices and uncertainty.

Amer Shipping and MSG have formed Stream Shipping in Raamsdonksveer, an independent inland shipping company with its own vessels.

Dry bulk figures at Benelux ports have dropped off recently, but ports say there are more worrying concerns on the horizon.