Dry Bulk Ship Recycling Plummets to Decades-Low Levels
Global dry bulk vessel scrapping activity has reached an 18-year low, with recycling volumes between January and October 2026 declining by 36% year-over-year to just 3 million DWT. The downturn reflects broader market dynamics, including sustained freight rate strength that has prolonged the economic viability of older tonnage.
Segment-Specific Trends
Only 70 dry bulk carriers were recycled during the period, with the majority falling within the handysize and supramax segments. The data underscores a shift in scrapping patterns, as operators defer decommissioning in favor of maintaining aging fleets amid favorable operational conditions.