The capesize bulk carrier market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $12.29 billion in 2025 to $13.05 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.2%. The growth during the historic period was driven by increasing global trade of iron ore and coal, rising demand for raw material transportation, expansion of steel production activities, growth of international maritime shipping networks, and increasing investments in large-scale bulk carrier fleets.
The capesize bulk carrier market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $16.32 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.8%. The growth during the forecast period can be attributed to growing adoption of energy-efficient capesize vessels, increasing demand for sustainable maritime transportation, rising replacement of aging bulk carrier fleets, expanding global infrastructure development activities, and increasing demand for high-capacity cargo transportation solutions. Key trends expected during the forecast period include increasing adoption of fuel-efficient capesize bulk carriers, growing demand for eco-friendly vessel designs and emission reduction solutions, rising modernization of aging capesize fleets through refurbishment activities, increasing expansion of global dry bulk transportation capacity, and growing demand for advanced vessel maintenance and operational optimization practices.
The increasing global iron ore trade volumes are expected to drive the growth of the capesize bulk carrier market in the coming years. Iron ore trade refers to the international transportation of iron ore from mining locations to industrial markets for use in steel production. Global iron ore trade volumes are increasing due to the expansion of steel production capacity, which is driving demand for iron ore as the key raw material in steel manufacturing and supporting the growth of international trade activities. Capesize bulk carriers contribute to the growth of iron ore trade volumes by facilitating the efficient transportation of large quantities of iron ore over long distances, lowering shipping costs per tonne and enabling high-volume global trade. For instance, in May 2025, according to the Government of Western Australia’s Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science, and Innovation, an Australia-based government department, China imported 1.17 billion tonnes of iron ore, accounting for 72% of global iron ore imports. Therefore, the increasing global iron ore trade volumes are driving the growth of the capesize bulk carrier market.
Major companies operating in the capesize bulk carrier market are concentrating on developing LNG-fueled capesize vessels to lower greenhouse gas emissions, meet changing environmental regulations, and enhance operational efficiency. LNG-fueled capesize bulk carriers are large dry bulk vessels that use liquefied natural gas as fuel, resulting in reduced emissions of carbon dioxide (CO₂), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and sulfur oxides (SOx) compared to ships powered by conventional fuels. For instance, in February 2024, Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK Line), a Japan-based shipping company, received delivery of SG Ocean, Japan’s first LNG-fueled capesize bulk carrier. The vessel was developed to support the decarbonization of bulk commodity transportation and is designed to transport iron ore and coal between Australia and Japan. The use of LNG as a marine fuel enables significant reductions in CO₂, NOx, and SOx emissions, promoting sustainable shipping practices and improving environmental performance in capesize bulk carrier operations.
In April 2024, Star Bulk Carriers Corp., a Greece-based dry bulk shipping company that provides capesize bulk carriers, merged with Eagle Bulk Shipping Inc. to establish a larger and more diversified dry bulk shipping fleet with enhanced operational efficiency. Through this merger, Star Bulk expanded its global dry bulk carrier operations by integrating fleets, increasing vessel capacity, improving economies of scale, and strengthening service capabilities across major bulk cargo routes, including those served by capesize vessels. Eagle Bulk Shipping Inc. is a US-based company involved in the global ocean transportation of dry bulk cargoes.
Major companies operating in the capesize bulk carrier market are Berge Bulk Pte. Ltd., Golden Ocean Group Ltd., Oldendorff Carriers GmbH & Co. KG, Star Bulk Carriers Corp., COSCO Shipping Bulk Co. Ltd., Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines Ltd., Navios Maritime Partners L.P., Pan Ocean Co. Ltd., Genco Shipping and Trading Limited, Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha Ltd., Eastern Pacific Shipping Pte. Ltd., CMB Group, Asyad Shipping Company SAOG, Safe Bulkers Inc., Diana Shipping Inc., Jinhui Shipping and Transportation Limited, Seanergy Maritime Holdings Corp., Winning International Group, C Transport Maritime S.A.M., Ultrabulk A/S, SwissMarine Pte. Ltd.
Asia-Pacific was the dominating region in the capesize bulk carrier market in 2025. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the rapidly growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the capesize bulk carrier market report are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa.
The countries covered in the capesize bulk carrier market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.
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The capesize bulk carrier market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $16.32 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.8%. The growth during the forecast period can be attributed to growing adoption of energy-efficient capesize vessels, increasing demand for sustainable maritime transportation, rising replacement of aging bulk carrier fleets, expanding global infrastructure development activities, and increasing demand for high-capacity cargo transportation solutions. Key trends expected during the forecast period include increasing adoption of fuel-efficient capesize bulk carriers, growing demand for eco-friendly vessel designs and emission reduction solutions, rising modernization of aging capesize fleets through refurbishment activities, increasing expansion of global dry bulk transportation capacity, and growing demand for advanced vessel maintenance and operational optimization practices.
The increasing global iron ore trade volumes are expected to drive the growth of the capesize bulk carrier market in the coming years. Iron ore trade refers to the international transportation of iron ore from mining locations to industrial markets for use in steel production. Global iron ore trade volumes are increasing due to the expansion of steel production capacity, which is driving demand for iron ore as the key raw material in steel manufacturing and supporting the growth of international trade activities. Capesize bulk carriers contribute to the growth of iron ore trade volumes by facilitating the efficient transportation of large quantities of iron ore over long distances, lowering shipping costs per tonne and enabling high-volume global trade. For instance, in May 2025, according to the Government of Western Australia’s Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science, and Innovation, an Australia-based government department, China imported 1.17 billion tonnes of iron ore, accounting for 72% of global iron ore imports. Therefore, the increasing global iron ore trade volumes are driving the growth of the capesize bulk carrier market.
Major companies operating in the capesize bulk carrier market are concentrating on developing LNG-fueled capesize vessels to lower greenhouse gas emissions, meet changing environmental regulations, and enhance operational efficiency. LNG-fueled capesize bulk carriers are large dry bulk vessels that use liquefied natural gas as fuel, resulting in reduced emissions of carbon dioxide (CO₂), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and sulfur oxides (SOx) compared to ships powered by conventional fuels. For instance, in February 2024, Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK Line), a Japan-based shipping company, received delivery of SG Ocean, Japan’s first LNG-fueled capesize bulk carrier. The vessel was developed to support the decarbonization of bulk commodity transportation and is designed to transport iron ore and coal between Australia and Japan. The use of LNG as a marine fuel enables significant reductions in CO₂, NOx, and SOx emissions, promoting sustainable shipping practices and improving environmental performance in capesize bulk carrier operations.
In April 2024, Star Bulk Carriers Corp., a Greece-based dry bulk shipping company that provides capesize bulk carriers, merged with Eagle Bulk Shipping Inc. to establish a larger and more diversified dry bulk shipping fleet with enhanced operational efficiency. Through this merger, Star Bulk expanded its global dry bulk carrier operations by integrating fleets, increasing vessel capacity, improving economies of scale, and strengthening service capabilities across major bulk cargo routes, including those served by capesize vessels. Eagle Bulk Shipping Inc. is a US-based company involved in the global ocean transportation of dry bulk cargoes.
Major companies operating in the capesize bulk carrier market are Berge Bulk Pte. Ltd., Golden Ocean Group Ltd., Oldendorff Carriers GmbH & Co. KG, Star Bulk Carriers Corp., COSCO Shipping Bulk Co. Ltd., Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines Ltd., Navios Maritime Partners L.P., Pan Ocean Co. Ltd., Genco Shipping and Trading Limited, Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha Ltd., Eastern Pacific Shipping Pte. Ltd., CMB Group, Asyad Shipping Company SAOG, Safe Bulkers Inc., Diana Shipping Inc., Jinhui Shipping and Transportation Limited, Seanergy Maritime Holdings Corp., Winning International Group, C Transport Maritime S.A.M., Ultrabulk A/S, SwissMarine Pte. Ltd.
Asia-Pacific was the dominating region in the capesize bulk carrier market in 2025. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the rapidly growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the capesize bulk carrier market report are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa.
The countries covered in the capesize bulk carrier market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.
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Table of Contents
1. Executive Summary
2. Capesize Bulk Carrier Market Characteristics
3. Capesize Bulk Carrier Market Supply Chain Analysis
4. Global Capesize Bulk Carrier Market Trends And Strategies
5. Capesize Bulk Carrier Market Analysis Of End Use Industries
7. Global Capesize Bulk Carrier Strategic Analysis Framework, Current Market Size, Market Comparisons And Growth Rate Analysis
8. Global Capesize Bulk Carrier Total Addressable Market (TAM) Analysis for the Market
9. Capesize Bulk Carrier Market Segmentation
10. Capesize Bulk Carrier Market Regional And Country Analysis
11. Asia-Pacific Capesize Bulk Carrier Market
12. China Capesize Bulk Carrier Market
13. India Capesize Bulk Carrier Market
14. Japan Capesize Bulk Carrier Market
15. Australia Capesize Bulk Carrier Market
16. Indonesia Capesize Bulk Carrier Market
17. South Korea Capesize Bulk Carrier Market
18. Taiwan Capesize Bulk Carrier Market
19. South East Asia Capesize Bulk Carrier Market
20. Western Europe Capesize Bulk Carrier Market
21. UK Capesize Bulk Carrier Market
22. Germany Capesize Bulk Carrier Market
23. France Capesize Bulk Carrier Market
24. Italy Capesize Bulk Carrier Market
25. Spain Capesize Bulk Carrier Market
26. Eastern Europe Capesize Bulk Carrier Market
27. Russia Capesize Bulk Carrier Market
28. North America Capesize Bulk Carrier Market
29. USA Capesize Bulk Carrier Market
30. Canada Capesize Bulk Carrier Market
31. South America Capesize Bulk Carrier Market
32. Brazil Capesize Bulk Carrier Market
33. Middle East Capesize Bulk Carrier Market
34. Africa Capesize Bulk Carrier Market
36. Capesize Bulk Carrier Market Competitive Landscape And Company Profiles
37. Capesize Bulk Carrier Market Other Major And Innovative Companies
41. Capesize Bulk Carrier Market High Potential Countries, Segments and Strategies
42. Appendix
Executive Summary
Capesize Bulk Carrier Market Global Report 2026 provides strategists, marketers and senior management with the critical information they need to assess the market.This report focuses capesize bulk carrier market which is experiencing strong growth. The report gives a guide to the trends which will be shaping the market over the next ten years and beyond.
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Description
Where is the largest and fastest growing market for capesize bulk carrier? How does the market relate to the overall economy, demography and other similar markets? What forces will shape the market going forward, including technological disruption, regulatory shifts, and changing consumer preferences? The capesize bulk carrier market global report answers all these questions and many more.The report covers market characteristics, size and growth, segmentation, regional and country breakdowns, total addressable market (TAM), market attractiveness score (MAS), competitive landscape, market shares, company scoring matrix, trends and strategies for this market. It traces the market’s historic and forecast market growth by geography.
- The market characteristics section of the report defines and explains the market. This section also examines key products and services offered in the market, evaluates brand-level differentiation, compares product features, and highlights major innovation and product development trends.
- The supply chain analysis section provides an overview of the entire value chain, including key raw materials, resources, and supplier analysis. It also provides a list competitor at each level of the supply chain.
- The updated trends and strategies section analyses the shape of the market as it evolves and highlights emerging technology trends such as digital transformation, automation, sustainability initiatives, and AI-driven innovation. It suggests how companies can leverage these advancements to strengthen their market position and achieve competitive differentiation.
- The regulatory and investment landscape section provides an overview of the key regulatory frameworks, regularity bodies, associations, and government policies influencing the market. It also examines major investment flows, incentives, and funding trends shaping industry growth and innovation.
- The market size section gives the market size ($b) covering both the historic growth of the market, and forecasting its development.
- The forecasts are made after considering the major factors currently impacting the market. These include the technological advancements such as AI and automation, Russia-Ukraine war, trade tariffs (government-imposed import/export duties), elevated inflation and interest rates.
- The total addressable market (TAM) analysis section defines and estimates the market potential compares it with the current market size, and provides strategic insights and growth opportunities based on this evaluation.
- The market attractiveness scoring section evaluates the market based on a quantitative scoring framework that considers growth potential, competitive dynamics, strategic fit, and risk profile. It also provides interpretive insights and strategic implications for decision-makers.
- Market segmentations break down the market into sub markets.
- The regional and country breakdowns section gives an analysis of the market in each geography and the size of the market by geography and compares their historic and forecast growth.
- Expanded geographical coverage includes Taiwan and Southeast Asia, reflecting recent supply chain realignments and manufacturing shifts in the region. This section analyzes how these markets are becoming increasingly important hubs in the global value chain.
- The competitive landscape chapter gives a description of the competitive nature of the market, market shares, and a description of the leading companies. Key financial deals which have shaped the market in recent years are identified.
- The company scoring matrix section evaluates and ranks leading companies based on a multi-parameter framework that includes market share or revenues, product innovation, and brand recognition.
Scope
Markets Covered:
1) By Type: Newbuild; Second Hand; Refurbished2) By Vessel Size: Deadweight Less Than One Hundred Seventy Thousand Tons; Deadweight Higher Than One Hundred Seventy Thousand Tons; Deadweight Less Than Two Hundred Thousand Tons; Deadweight Higher Than Two Hundred Thousand Tons
3) By Cargo Type: Coal; Iron Ore; Grain; Other Cargo Types
4) By End User Industry: Steel Production; Power Generation; Mining; Construction
Subsegments:
1) By Newbuild: Standard Capesize Bulk Carriers; Fuel Efficient Capesize Bulk Carriers; Eco Design Capesize Bulk Carriers; Dual Fuel Capesize Bulk Carriers2) By Second Hand: Modern Second Hand Capesize Bulk Carriers; Mid Age Second Hand Capesize Bulk Carriers; Vintage Second Hand Capesize Bulk Carriers; Resale Ready Capesize Bulk Carriers
3) By Refurbished: Engine Upgraded Refurbished Capesize Bulk Carriers; Hull Renovated Refurbished Capesize Bulk Carriers; Energy Efficient Refurbished Capesize Bulk Carriers; Class Certified Refurbished Capesize Bulk Carriers
Companies Mentioned: Berge Bulk Pte. Ltd.; Golden Ocean Group Ltd.; Oldendorff Carriers GmbH & Co. KG; Star Bulk Carriers Corp.; COSCO Shipping Bulk Co. Ltd.; Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha; Mitsui O.S.K. Lines Ltd.; Navios Maritime Partners L.P.; Pan Ocean Co. Ltd.; Genco Shipping and Trading Limited; Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha Ltd.; Eastern Pacific Shipping Pte. Ltd.; CMB Group; Asyad Shipping Company SAOG; Safe Bulkers Inc.; Diana Shipping Inc.; Jinhui Shipping and Transportation Limited; Seanergy Maritime Holdings Corp.; Winning International Group; C Transport Maritime S.A.M.; Ultrabulk A/S; SwissMarine Pte. Ltd.
Countries: Australia; Brazil; China; France; Germany; India; Indonesia; Japan; Taiwan; Russia; South Korea; UK; USA; Canada; Italy; Spain
Regions: Asia-Pacific; South East Asia; Western Europe; Eastern Europe; North America; South America; Middle East; Africa
Time Series: Five years historic and ten years forecast.
Data: Ratios of market size and growth to related markets, GDP proportions, expenditure per capita.
Data Segmentations: Country and regional historic and forecast data, market share of competitors, market segments.
Sourcing and Referencing: Data and analysis throughout the report is sourced using end notes.
Delivery Format: Word, PDF or Interactive Report + Excel Dashboard
Added Benefits
- Bi-Annual Data Update
- Customisation
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Companies Mentioned
- Berge Bulk Pte. Ltd.
- Golden Ocean Group Ltd.
- Oldendorff Carriers GmbH & Co. KG
- Star Bulk Carriers Corp.
- COSCO Shipping Bulk Co. Ltd.
- Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha
- Mitsui O.S.K. Lines Ltd.
- Navios Maritime Partners L.P.
- Pan Ocean Co. Ltd.
- Genco Shipping and Trading Limited
- Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha Ltd.
- Eastern Pacific Shipping Pte. Ltd.
- CMB Group
- Asyad Shipping Company SAOG
- Safe Bulkers Inc.
- Diana Shipping Inc.
- Jinhui Shipping and Transportation Limited
- Seanergy Maritime Holdings Corp.
- Winning International Group
- C Transport Maritime S.A.M.
- Ultrabulk A/S
- SwissMarine Pte. Ltd.
