Dry Cargo Fleet Overview - October 2026

The dry bulk fleet has increased by 3 per cent so far in 2026, with 417 vessels delivered and 141 scheduled, marking the highest influx since 2015. The ageing fleet remains a concern, as 15.1 per cent of vessels are over 20 years old, while the current orderbook represents 11.8 per cent of the fleet. Notably, newbuilding orders for 2026 have totaled 372, although the overall trend of deliveries has seen fluctuations with significant declines year-on-year, particularly in 2025. The market is characterized by higher freight rates and subdued demolition activity, contributing to an overall growth trajectory despite the persistent pressures of fleet age and declining newbuildings in certain categories like Small Capesize.