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Dry Bulk Annual Review 2022

This article examines recent progress and initiatives by the shipping industry to meet new IMO targets and provides Signal Ocean Platform data on emissions developments and trends.

The Signal Group
March 17, 2024

The year ended with critical changes in grain flows due to geopolitical tensions between Russia and Ukraine. In parallel, the Chinese real estate crisis seriously impacted Capesize vessels, while the energy crisis drove up coal flows and Panamax freight rates.

Amid the macroeconomic and geopolitical challenges, it is interesting to see that the volume of bulk cargo flows has remained stable over the past two years. Cargo flow volumes were helped by the Black Sea Grain Corridor Initiative in the third quarter, but freight rates in the Supramax and Handysize segments remained weaker.

A serious concern for bulk demand growth in the coming year is Chinese economic growth, as 2022 ended with GDP growth of at least 4.4%, but well above economists' expectations. Economists had generally expected growth to fall to a rate between 2.7% and 3.3% in 2022. The Chinese government had maintained a much higher annual growth target of around 5.5%.

In our annual review using Signal Ocean data, we examine freight market trends on reference routes and current patterns of bulk flows compared to the previous two years. 2021 surprised many with exceptionally high levels for Capesize and Panamax vessels, while 2022 saw a downward cycle for smaller vessel sizes. 

For the first quarter of 2023, it is becoming apparent that the explosion of Chinese Covid cases will pose a new threat to the global economy and seaborne iron ore demand, while the current trend in seagoing ballast speed for dry bulkers has already fallen to its lowest level since 2020.

The following sections present the evolution of trends in dry bulk flows, demand, freight rates, vessel speeds, and supply.

I. Dry Bulk Flows - China

The volume of dry bulk flows from all countries to all destinations was stable similar to last year, with the exception of January and February, while December ended with a slightly higher volume than November. Image 1 shows that the overall trend for this year and last year for bulk shipments supports the recovery in freight rates despite ongoing macroeconomic challenges. Total volume over the past two years is estimated at about 9.8 billion tonnes, with China accounting for 40% of flows (image 2) and Australia as the origin country accounting for 29%.

Image 1 - Data Source: The Signal Ocean Platform, Dry Bulk Flows 2021-2022, from All to All Destinations https://app.signalocean.com/dry/dynamic/drybulkflows

Image 2 shows the breakdown of the volume of bulk cargo flows over the past two years by origin and destination countries, ship size category, and cargo types. Iron ore fines and thermal coal accounted for 27% and 21%, respectively, while Capesize and Supramax vessels had the largest volume shares, accounting for 30% and 21%, respectively as measured in metric tons.

Image 2 - Data Source: The Signal Ocean Platform, Dry Bulk Flows 2021-2022, Breakdown (Origin - Destination Countries, Vessel Classes, Cargo Grades) https://app.signalocean.com/dry/dynamic/drybulkflows

Focus on China

Looking at China as the main destination for bulk flows and demand growth, image 3 shows that the volume of flows has increased, especially in the fourth quarter of this year. In the last two years, the total volume of commodity flows was 3.9 billion tonnes, with iron ore accounting for 60% of the volume and Australia remaining the top source country for Chinese bulk imports with a 42% share (image 4).

Image 3 - Data Source: The Signal Ocean Platform, Dry Bulk Flows 2021-2022, from from All to China https://app.signalocean.com/dry/dynamic/drybulkflows
Image 4- Data Source: The Signal Ocean Platform, Dry Bulk Flows 2021-2022 to China, Breakdown(Origin Countries, Vessel Classes, Cargo Grades) https://app.signalocean.com/dry/dynamic/drybulkflows

Image 5 shows the total volume of iron ore and coal flows to China over the past two years, as well as the top three source countries. It is interesting to note that the fourth quarter of 2022 saw an exceptional increase in coal flows to China compared to the previous two quarters, with Indonesia leading the origin countries with a 57% share. For iron ore, December saw a higher import pace than November, matching the volume of December 2021. Overall, the year ended with a promising outlook for Chinese iron ore and coal demand, although slower momentum was feared given the outbreak of Covid cases.

Image 5- Data Source: The Signal Ocean Platform, Dry Bulk Flows 2021-2022 to China, Iron Ore & Coal https://app.signalocean.com/dry/dynamic/drybulkflows

II. Demand Growth - Tonne Charts

The higher volume of iron ore and coal dry bulk flows to China is reflected in the growth of dry bulk demand tonne-days, where the fourth quarter of the year ended with increasing momentum in the Capesize and Panamax segments. Overall, the tonne-days trend for the larger vessel categories was higher than in 2021 and 2020, and December suggests similar strength for the first days of 2023, (image 6).

Image 6 - Data Source: The Signal Ocean Platform, Demand, Capesize - Panamax https://app.signalocean.com/dry/reports/toncharts

Looking at the smaller ship segments (image 7), growth in tonne-days was also higher in the Supramax segment than in the previous two years, while slower momentum was observed in the Handysize size in the fourth quarter. The slowdown in Handysize demand growth in tonne-days at a lower level than in previous years in the fourth quarter leads to a downward revision of freight rates for the first months of the New Year, as geopolitical tensions are still causing difficulties in grain exports from Ukraine to the main Asian markets.

Image 7 - Data Source: The Signal Ocean Platform, Demand, Supramax - Handysize https://app.signalocean.com/dry/reports/toncharts

III. Freight Market - $/tonne

Overall, 2022 was a year of strong growth in freight rates for the larger vessel categories, although rates for Capesize vessels grew at a slower pace after the exceptionally high levels of 2021 (image 8). Although the freight market for the larger vessel categories was above 2020 levels, rates for the Supramax and Handysize vessel classes were very weak, while the Panamax segment appears to be the winner in 2022. In the last days of the year ending, Panamax freight rates showed a strong performance and Asian coal demand paved the way for stronger demand and higher freight rates in the upcoming first quarter of the New Year.

Image 8 - Data Source: The Signal Ocean Platform, Market Prices, 2020-2022 https://app.signalocean.com/dry/dynamic/market-prices

IV. Vessel Speeds

The geopolitical crisis prompted shipowners to reduce the ballast speed of ships at sea, and 2022 ended with a record low ballast speed for bulk carriers. It is estimated that last year's levels are the lowest compared to 2021 and 2020 (image 9), as the larger vessel categories continue to have lower ballast speeds at sea (image 10). The fourth quarter suggests a similar slowdown in ballast speeds as freight rates enter a downward cycle at the start of the new year.

Image 9 - Data Source: The Signal Ocean Platform, Vessel Speeds, Ballast, Dry Bulk Vessel, All sizes  https://app.signalocean.com/dry/reports/vesselSpeeds

The Bigger Picture - Capesize & Panamax

Image 10 - Data Source: The Signal Ocean Platform, Vessel Speeds, Ballast, Dry Bulk Vessels (Capesize Vs Panamax) https://app.signalocean.com/tanker/reports/vesselSpeeds

V. Vessel Supply - Ballasters’ View

Finally, looking at the weekly trends of ballast vessels in the main vessel categories (image 11), we see that the number of vessels in ballast increases in the New Year in the Capesize and Panamax segments, but remains below the average trend. In the Handysize segment, the number of ballasted vessels remains above the average trend, and there is also an increase in the Supramax segment.

Overall, the weekly trends for ballast vessels show an upward trend, suggesting a continuation of the weakening trend in freight rates for the first few days of the new year. It remains to be seen how the January days will play out for vessel employment given the economic uncertainty in China and the challenges to the smooth flow of grain shipments.

Image 11 - Data Source: The Signal Ocean Platform, Weekly Supply Trend, Ballasters’ View

Overall outlook - Looking ahead

The New Year brings uncertainty for bulk freight rates as China has a significant impact on Capesize freight rate trends. However, the energy crisis appears to be continuing to boost coal flows significantly and improve sentiment for Panamax rates between the Continent and the Far East. It is questionable, however, whether the growth in Asian coal demand will be sufficient for the increase in bulk carrier employment rates and an upward cycle in freight rates. It remains to be seen whether the Chinese economy will be able to overcome the rinderpest outbreak and successfully manage the looming threat of a new round of economic downturn with negative effects on the global economy.

You can follow our Dry Market Monitor for weekly trends in freight rates, supply, demand and Chinese port congestion.

-Republishing is allowed with an active link to the source

Creating a sustainable world requires us to embark on a journey towards a zero emission future, where every step is a commitment to preserve our planet for future generations.
Albert Greenway
Environmental Scientist, Sustainability Expert
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Increased Use of Renewable Energy:

Shipping companies are embracing renewable energy sources to power onboard systems and reduce emissions during port operations. Solar panels and wind turbines are being installed on vessels to generate clean energy, reducing reliance on auxiliary engines, and cutting down emissions. Shore power facilities in ports allow ships to connect to the electrical grid, eliminating the need for onboard generators while docked.

Collaboration and Industry Partnerships:

Recognizing that addressing emissions requires collective action, shipping companies, governments, and organizations have formed partnerships and collaborations. These initiatives focus on research and development, sharing best practices, and promoting knowledge transfer. Joint projects aim to develop and deploy innovative technologies, improve infrastructure, and create a supportive regulatory framework to accelerate the industry's transition towards a greener future. The Zero Emission Shipping - Mission Innovation.

To pave the way for a greener future in shipping, the availability of alternative fuels plays a vital role in their widespread adoption. However, this availability is influenced by factors such as port infrastructure, local regulations, and government policies. As the demand for cleaner fuels in shipping rises and environmental regulations become more stringent, efforts are underway to improve the accessibility of these fuels through infrastructure development, collaborations, and investments in production facilities.

Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) infrastructure has seen significant growth in recent years, resulting in more LNG bunkering facilities and LNG-powered vessels. Nonetheless, the availability of LNG as a marine fuel can still vary depending on the region. To ensure consistent availability worldwide, there is a need for further development of LNG supply chains and infrastructure. For biofuels, their availability hinges on production capacity and the availability of feedstock. Although biofuels are being produced and utilized in various sectors, their availability as a marine fuel remains limited. Scaling up biofuel production and establishing robust supply chains are imperative to ensure wider availability within the shipping industry.Hydrogen, as a fuel for maritime applications, is still in the early stages of infrastructure development. While some hydrogen vessels have been tested or introduced in the first quarter of last year, the infrastructure required for hydrogen production and distribution needs further advancement.

Ammonia, as a marine fuel, currently faces limitations in availability. The production, storage, and handling infrastructure for ammonia need further development to support its widespread use in the shipping industry.Methanol, on the other hand, is already a commercially available fuel and has been used as a blend with conventional fuels in some ships. However, its availability as a standalone marine fuel can still be limited in certain regions. Bureau Veritas in October 2022 published a White Paper for the Alternative Fuels Outlook. This white paper provides a comprehensive overview of alternative fuels for the shipping industry, taking into account key factors such as technological maturity, availability, safety, emissions, and regulations.

Creating a sustainable world requires us to embark on a journey towards a zero emission future, where every step is a commitment to preserve our planet for future generations.
Albert Greenway
Environmental Scientist, Sustainability Expert

Increased Use of Renewable Energy:

Shipping companies are embracing renewable energy sources to power onboard systems and reduce emissions during port operations. Solar panels and wind turbines are being installed on vessels to generate clean energy, reducing reliance on auxiliary engines, and cutting down emissions. Shore power facilities in ports allow ships to connect to the electrical grid, eliminating the need for onboard generators while docked.

Collaboration and Industry Partnerships:

Recognizing that addressing emissions requires collective action, shipping companies, governments, and organizations have formed partnerships and collaborations. These initiatives focus on research and development, sharing best practices, and promoting knowledge transfer. Joint projects aim to develop and deploy innovative technologies, improve infrastructure, and create a supportive regulatory framework to accelerate the industry's transition towards a greener future. The Zero Emission Shipping - Mission Innovation.

To pave the way for a greener future in shipping, the availability of alternative fuels plays a vital role in their widespread adoption. However, this availability is influenced by factors such as port infrastructure, local regulations, and government policies. As the demand for cleaner fuels in shipping rises and environmental regulations become more stringent, efforts are underway to improve the accessibility of these fuels through infrastructure development, collaborations, and investments in production facilities.

Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) infrastructure has seen significant growth in recent years, resulting in more LNG bunkering facilities and LNG-powered vessels. Nonetheless, the availability of LNG as a marine fuel can still vary depending on the region. To ensure consistent availability worldwide, there is a need for further development of LNG supply chains and infrastructure. For biofuels, their availability hinges on production capacity and the availability of feedstock. Although biofuels are being produced and utilized in various sectors, their availability as a marine fuel remains limited. Scaling up biofuel production and establishing robust supply chains are imperative to ensure wider availability within the shipping industry.Hydrogen, as a fuel for maritime applications, is still in the early stages of infrastructure development. While some hydrogen vessels have been tested or introduced in the first quarter of last year, the infrastructure required for hydrogen production and distribution needs further advancement.

Ammonia, as a marine fuel, currently faces limitations in availability. The production, storage, and handling infrastructure for ammonia need further development to support its widespread use in the shipping industry.Methanol, on the other hand, is already a commercially available fuel and has been used as a blend with conventional fuels in some ships. However, its availability as a standalone marine fuel can still be limited in certain regions. Bureau Veritas in October 2022 published a White Paper for the Alternative Fuels Outlook. This white paper provides a comprehensive overview of alternative fuels for the shipping industry, taking into account key factors such as technological maturity, availability, safety, emissions, and regulations.

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