Dry Bulk Shipping Market Leads USD 294.75 Bn in 2025 at 5.99 CAGR

Dry Bulk Shipping Market Trends 2025: Eco-Friendly Vessels, AI-Driven Fleet, and USD 294.75 Billion Future

According to market projections, the dry bulk shipping industry is expected to grow from USD 164.74 billion in 2024 to USD 294.75 billion by 2034, reflecting a CAGR of 5.99%. Asia Pacific led the dry bulk shipping market in revenue, while North America is set for strong growth. Capesize vessels and iron ore cargo dominated, with Panamax vessels and grain shipments expected to grow notably during the forecast period.

The dry bulk shipping market is set to grow from USD 174.61 billion in 2025 to USD 294.75 billion by 2034, with an expected CAGR of 5.99% over the forecast period from 2025 to 2034. The rise in number of residential constructions in several countries such as the U.S., India, China and some others coupled with rapid investment by public companies in the marine industry has contributed to the industrial expansion.

Additionally, growing adoption of green logistics along with integration of advanced technologies in modern vessels to optimize routes, enhance fuel efficiency, improve overall operations and some others is playing a vital role in shaping the market in a positive direction. The rising awareness of sustainable shipping as well as integration of AI and Cloud in fleet management platforms is expected to create ample growth opportunities for the market players in the upcoming days.

Dry Bulk Shipping Market Size 2024 - 2034

Unlock Infinite Advantages: Subscribe to Annual Membership

Introduction

The dry bulk shipping market is a crucial segment of the logistics industry. This industry deals in manufacturing and distribution of vessels used for transporting loose items. There are several types of vessels developed in this sector comprising of Capesize, Handymax, Supramax, Handysize and some others. These vessels are used for transporting numerous commodities including iron ore, coal, steam coal, coking coal, grain, bauxite, nickel, steel and some others. The growing demand for phosphate rock and coal in developed nations has boosted the market expansion. This market is expected to rise significantly with the growth of the marine sector across the globe.

Highlights of the dry bulk shipping market

  • Asia Pacific generated highest revenue of the dry bulk shipping market.
  • North America is expected to grow with a significant CAGR during the forecast period.
  • By vessel type, the capesize segment held the largest share of the market.
  • By vessel type, the panamax segment is expected to rise with a considerable CAGR during the forecast period.
  • By commodity type, the iron ore segment led the market.
  • By commodity type, the grain segment is expected to grow with a notable CAGR during the forecast period.

Key Metrics and Overview

Metric Details
Market Size in 2025 USD 174.61 Billion
Projected Market Size in 2034 USD 294.75 Billion
CAGR (2025 - 2034) 5.99%
Leading Region Asia Pacific
Market Segmentation By Vessel Type, By Commodity Type, By Design and By Region
Top Key Players Bahri, Diana Shipping Inc., Eagle Bulk Shipping Inc., Eurodry Ltd., Euronav, Fednav, Genco Shipping & Trading Limited

The major trends in this market consists of joint ventures, growing emphasis on developing eco-friendly vessels and acquisitions.

  • Joint Ventures

Several public companies are announcing joint ventures with private players to launch new services related to dry bulk shipping in developing nations.

  • Growing Emphasis on Developing Eco-Friendly Vessels

The shipbuilding industry is constantly engaged in developing environment-friendly ships with an aim to reduce marine emission.

  • Acquisitions

Numerous market players have started acquiring small companies to enhance the capabilities of dry bulk shipping.

Vessel Type Insights

How did the Capesize Segment Led the Dry Bulk Shipping Market in 2025?

The capesize segment dominated the market. The growing application of capesize bulk carrier to transport bulk materials such as grain, iron ore, coal, and other commodities has boosted the market expansion. Additionally, rapid investment by shipbuilding companies to develop very large ore carriers (VLOC) and very large bulk carriers (VLBC) for enhancing dry bulk shipping is shaping the industry in a positive direction. Moreover, the increasing sales of these vessels in Brazil, Australia and South Africa is expected to drive the growth of the dry bulk shipping market.

The panamax segment is expected to expand with a considerable CAGR during the forecast period. The rising use of panamax vessels for transporting coal, minerals, grain, fertilizers, salt and some others has boosted the market expansion. Also, the growing emphasis on meeting the increasing demands of global trade, the demand for these vessels has increased rapidly as it offers high cargo capacity and operating efficiency. Moreover, partnerships among shipbuilders and dry bulk shipping companies to deploy panamax vessels is expected to propel the growth of the dry bulk shipping market.

Commodity Type Insights

What Made Iron Ore to be the Most Dominant Segment of the Dry Bulk Shipping Market in 2025?

The iron ore segment held the largest share of the market. The growing demand for high-quality steels from the construction sector and automotive industry has boosted the market expansion. Additionally, numerous government initiatives aimed at developing the iron ore extraction sector coupled with rapid shift towards hydrogen-based ironmaking is playing a vital role in shaping the industrial landscape. Moreover, the increasing use of panamax vessels and capsize vessels for transporting iron ore in different parts of the world is expected to boost the growth of the growth of the dry bulk shipping market.

The grain segment is expected to rise with a notable CAGR during the forecast period. The growing demand for wood grains from the furniture industry for manufacturing several items such as tables, chairs, desks and some others has driven the market growth. Additionally, the rising demand for different types of metal grains such as ferrite, pearlite, BCC and some others from the steel industry is adding to the industrial expansion. Moreover, partnerships among vessel manufacturers to develop cargo ships for transporting grains from one nation to another is expected to propel the growth of the growth of the dry bulk shipping market.

Geographical Insights

Dry Bulk Shipping Market NA, EU, APAC, LA, MEA Share

Why Asia Pacific Dominated the Dry Bulk Shipping Market in 2025?

Asia Pacific led the dry bulk shipping market. The growing development in the shipbuilding industry in several countries such as India, China, South Korea, Taiwan and some others has boosted the market expansion. Additionally, rapid investment by government for strengthening the marine logistics sector coupled with abundance of rare earth metals in the APAC region is shaping the industry in a positive direction. Moreover, the presence of numerous market players such as NYK Line, Pacific Basin Shipping, COSCO Shipping Corporation Limited and some others is expected to foster the growth of the dry bulk shipping market in this region.

  • In June 2025, Pacific Basin Shipping Limited collaborated with Inmarsat Maritime. Through this collaboration, Inmarsat Maritime will install NexusWave connectivity service in Pacific Basin’s dry bulk carriers. (Source: Marine Link)

North America is expected to rise with a significant CAGR during the forecast period. The rising sales of Supramax vessels and Handysize vessels in the U.S. and Canada has boosted the market growth. Additionally, the rising emphasis on adopting green logistics along with technological advancements in the marine transportation sector is playing a vital role in shaping the industrial landscape. Moreover, the presence of several dry bulk shipping companies such as Genco Shipping & Trading Limited, BR LOGISTICS USA INC, Fednav, Intermarine and some others is expected to boost the growth of the dry bulk shipping market in this region.

  • In May 2024, Intermarine launched a new range of vessels named as ‘Industrial Ursula’ and ‘Industrial Katharina’. These vessels are launched to enhance dry bulk shipping services across the U.S. (Source: Baird Publications)

Industry Leader Announcement

  • In February 2025, Giuseppe Prudente, Chief Logistics Officer of MSC and President of MEDLOG made an announcement stating that “This exciting launch highlights MSC’s unique ability to combine forward-thinking digital solutions with personalized customer care. iReefer is designed with customers in mind: we fully understand their need to closely monitor and control cargo, to facilitate planning and ensure products are delivered in pristine condition. It builds on the already high levels of care we apply to reefer cargo and takes this support to the next level.”

Competitive Landscape

The dry bulk shipping market is a highly competitive industry with the presence of several dominating players. Some of the prominent companies in this industry consists of Bahri, Diana Shipping Inc, Eagle Bulk Shipping Inc, Eurodry Ltd, Euronav, Fednav, Genco Shipping & Trading Limited, Golden Ocean Group, Navios Maritime Partners L.P., CMB Tech, Oldendorff, Pacific Basin Shipping Limited, Safe Bulkers, Inc., Star Bulk Carriers, Ultrabulk, Western Bulk and some others. These companies are constantly engaged in providing solutions to transport loose commodities and adopting numerous strategies such as business expansions, acquisitions, launches, collaborations partnerships, joint ventures, and some others to maintain their dominance in this industry.

  • In June 2025, Diana Shipping Inc. announced to sell ‘Selina’ to any unaffiliated third party at a price of around US$11.8 million. Selina is a Panamax vessel used for enhancing dry bulk shipping services. (Source: GlobeNewswire)

Pacific Basin Revenue in USD Million

  • According to the annual report of Pacific Basin, the revenue of the company in 2023 was US$ 2296.60 million in 2023 that increased to US$ 2581.60 million in 2024. (Source: Pacificbasin)

Recent Developments

  • In May 2025, CMB Tech acquired Golden Ocean. This acquisition is done at a hefty price of US$ 1.5 billion with an aim at developing dry bulk shipping sector. (Source: Reuters)
  • In January 2025, Berge Bulk joined hands with BHP. This joint venture is done for launching an iron ore voyage to connect Australia with China. (Source: Bergebulk)
  • In April 2024, RightShip joined hands with the International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners. This joint venture is aimed at launching a dry bulk management standard (DryBMS) framework. (Source: Thedcn)

Dry Bulk Shipping Market Key Players

Dry Bulk Shipping Market Companies

  • Bahri
  • Diana Shipping Inc.
  • Eagle Bulk Shipping Inc.
  • Eurodry Ltd.
  • Euronav
  • Fednav
  • Genco Shipping & Trading Limited
  • Pacific Basin Shipping Limited
  • Safe Bulkers, Inc.
  • Star Bulk Carriers
  • Ultrabulk
  • Western Bulk
  • Golden Ocean Group
  • Navios Maritime Partners L.P.
  • Oldendorff

Dry Bulk Shipping Market Segments

By Vessel Type

  • Capesize
  • Handymax
  • Supramax
  • Handysize
  • Others

By Commodity Type

  • Iron Ore
  • Coal
  • Steam Coal
  • Coking Coal
  • Grain
  • Bauxite
  • Nickel
  • Steel
  • Others

By Design

  • Gearless Bulk Carriers
  • Conventional Bulkers
  • Combined Bulk Carriers
  • Self-Dischargers
  • Bulker Lakers
  • Others

By Region

  • North America
  • Latin America
  • Western Europe
  • Eastern Europe
  • Asia Pacific
  • The Middle East and Africa
Share With : linkedin twitter facebook
  • Insight Code: 1203
  • No. of Pages: 150+
  • Format: PDF/PPT/Excel
  • Last Updated: 07 July 2025
  • Report Covered: [Revenue + Volume]
  • Historical Year: 2021-2023
  • Base Year: 2024
  • Estimated Years: 2025-2034

Meet the Team

Shubham Madhukar Desale is a passionate and insights-driven Research Analyst with over five years of experience in market research, including more than four years of specialized expertise in the global automotive industry.

Learn more about Shubham Desale

Aditi Shivarkar, with 14+ years of experience in automotive market research, specializes in tracking trends across vehicle technologies, mobility solutions, and materials innovation. She delivers accurate, actionable insights that drive excellence in the automotive sector—fueling strategies around electrification, sustainability, and advanced manufacturing.

Learn more about Aditi Shivarkar
FAQ's

Major trends include joint ventures, the development of eco-friendly vessels, and acquisitions of smaller players. These strategies are aimed at expanding fleet capacity, reducing emissions, and increasing service efficiency in emerging markets.

Technologies like AI, Cloud-based fleet management, and route optimization tools are enhancing vessel performance, reducing fuel costs, and improving cargo tracking. The integration of Inmarsat’s NexusWave and other smart solutions is transforming real-time decision-making.

The Capesize segment is leading due to its widespread use in transporting heavy commodities like iron ore and coal. Investments in Very Large Ore Carriers (VLOCs) and increasing exports from Brazil, Australia, and South Africa are driving demand.

The construction and automotive sectors\' demand for high-grade steel is driving iron ore shipments. Government support for iron ore extraction and the rise of hydrogen-based steelmaking are also pushing this segment forward.

Asia Pacific dominates the market, driven by strong shipbuilding industries in China, India, and South Korea. North America is growing rapidly due to green logistics adoption and rising vessel sales in the U.S. and Canada.

With rising pressure on environmental compliance, shipbuilders and carriers are focusing on low-emission vessel design, fuel efficiency, and green logistics practices. The market is shifting toward eco-compliance as a competitive advantage.

Companies like Diana Shipping, Genco, Pacific Basin, and Golden Ocean Group are leveraging M&A, fleet upgrades, technology partnerships, and market expansions to retain their global edge. The acquisition of Golden Ocean by CMB Tech for $1.5B illustrates this trend.

The sector presents opportunities in fleet digitalization, eco-shipbuilding, and emerging markets logistics expansion. The ongoing transition to smart and green shipping, alongside global commodity demand, makes it ripe for strategic investments.

Ready to talk to a Towards Automotive consultant?

We offer automotive expertise for market projections and customizable research, adaptable to diverse strategic approaches.

Contact Us