Global Dry Bulk Shipping Index

The latest weekly rate update shows dry bulk freight markets diverging by vessel class, with Capesize earnings weakening while smaller segments remained comparatively resilient. The data is directly relevant to recent movements in the global dry bulk shipping benchmark.

Kpler reports that China’s Golden Week reduced Capesize chartering and pushed earnings lower, while low Indian coal inventories and rerouted Black Sea trade could support demand later in October. The analysis also highlights a lengthening Capesize vessel supply list as a near-term pressure on rates.

Lloyd’s List says the dry bulk orderbook has expanded sharply, but longer voyages, congestion, slower steaming and geopolitical disruption are absorbing capacity faster than cargo growth alone would suggest. It notes that the Baltic Dry Index has reached levels not seen since 2021, while a normaliza