Wedoany.com Report on Feb 26th, According to the latest market commentary from shipbroker Xclusiv, the dry bulk market in 2026 has started off strongly. Data shows that from January 1st to February 20th, the pace of transactions has significantly accelerated compared to the same period in 2025. The number of bulk carrier transactions reached 109 vessels, a 36% increase from the 80 vessels recorded during the same period last year. This growth reflects a significant expansion in market liquidity during a period typically affected by seasonal factors.
Trading activity is evident not only in volume but also in the broad participation of vessel types. Supramax and Handysize vessels each completed 23 transactions, Ultramax accounted for 19, while Capesize and Kamsarmax saw 16 and 15 vessels change hands respectively, with Panamax vessels at 5. In contrast, trading during the same period in 2025 was more concentrated in Supramax and Panamax types.
The age distribution of vessels indicates a shift in sentiment. In 2026, vessels aged 11-15 years constituted 41% of the total transactions, those aged 16-20 years accounted for 28%, while vessels over 21 years old represented only 9%. This composition suggests buyers are focusing more on the remaining economic life of the vessels rather than short-term scrapping options.
Dynamics regarding the country of build have also changed. In 2026, Chinese-built bulk carriers led with 52 transactions, followed by Japan and Korea with 37 and 13 vessels respectively. This reflects a reassessment of Chinese-built tonnage in the market compared to the Japanese-dominated scenario of 2025.
Regarding the buyer and seller landscape, in 2026, 67 acquisitions did not disclose buyer information. Among the identified buyers, China led with 23 transactions, followed by Greece with 15. Greek interests, as the largest identifiable seller group, disposed of 23 vessels, indicating ongoing portfolio restructuring.
Asset prices have entered a high range, with second-hand vessel values rising across all vessel types. For example, the value of a 10-year-old Capesize vessel increased by 22% to $52.5 million. Current price levels are at the high end of the past five years, indicating buyer confidence in profit visibility and a willingness to transact at elevated price points.
