Bulkers keep an optimistic wait-and-see stance

The bulker market entered 2026 with solid momentum, supported by firm vessel valuations and robust activity in the secondary market.

However, this momentum has moderated amid the escalating crisis in the Strait of Hormuz, which is increasingly weighing on confidence in newbuilding orders, freight markets, and transaction volumes as the conflict deepens. This assessment of the bulk carrier market is outlined by VesselsValue and analyst Rebecca Galanopoulos.

At the same time, analysts at Jefferies have turned more constructive, expressing growing optimism over the dry bulk sector. While the dry bulk shipping market did not experience the sharp upswing seen in containership freight rates during the pandemic or in tanker markets in the post-COVID period—particularly in the context of the war in Iran—market conditions remain healthy.

As a Greek shipowner active in both dry bulk and tanker segments noted to Naftemporiki, freight rates may not be at as exceptionally high levels as in tankers, but they are nonetheless at satisfactory levels.