Shipping and Logistics

February 2, 2016
Crisis in Dry Bulk Shipping Market
Written by Sandy Williams
The latest MID-SHIP Report reiterates the crisis in the shipping industry calling it “the most significant depression in dry bulk shipping since the mid-1980’s.” The Baltic Dry Index, which tracks shipping rates for dry bulk cargos like iron ore, coal and grain, peaked in May 2008 with an index reading of 11,793 and fell to 663 by December of 2008. By November 2009 the market recovered reaching an index reading of 4643. Infused by new optimism, vessel owners rushed to increase the size of their fleets.
The economic slowdown in China, decreased global demand, and falling fuel and energy costs put shipping rates in free fall, reaching an all-time low of 314 on February 1, 2016. Stuck with an excess vessel supply shipping companies are now faced with significant financial losses and are scrambling to stay afloat, literally.


