Dry Cargo Fleet Overview - May 2026

The dry bulk fleet expanded by 1.5 per cent year-to-date, with 211 vessels delivered so far and 356 more scheduled to enter the market, marking the highest annual influx since 2015. Despite strong freight rates deterring scrapping, the orderbook remains constrained, with 1,331 vessels representing 10.9 per cent of the existing fleet. The ageing fleet poses long-term challenges, as 15.6 per cent of the units are over 20 years old, while newbuilding orders have plummeted by 41 per cent year-on-year, the lowest levels since 2016. Geopolitical tensions and economic shifts continue to impact shipping dynamics, necessitating adaptive strategies from fleet operators and brokers alike.