Seatrade Maritime

Energy Transition Underpins Dry Bulk Sector

Electric‑vehicle sales have surged nearly 700% this decade, driving a rapid rise in spodumene shipments from Australia to China and doubling bulk volumes since 2023. Panamax vessels now carry almost half of the 7 million tonnes of dry bulk moved last year, while supramax and handymax ships also serve the trade. The broader outlook remains upbeat, with higher bauxite, soybean and coking‑coal flows, but risks include Red Sea cease‑fire effects, potential delays at Rio Tinto’s Simandou mine, and tightening emissions regulations. New IMO carbon‑intensity targets and an expanded EU ETS regime will reshape operating costs for bulk carriers.