Cargill’s head of market research has a cautiously optimistic outlook for dry-bulk shipping demand next year as seaborne volumes of some major bulk commodities should continue to grow. While current rates will likely fall, bulker owners should be able to get freight rates that cover operating expenses over the next year.

In a conference call sponsored by Deutsche Bank, Cargill’s Eric Aboussouan said dry-bulk shipping demand has surprised to the upside this year.