John Fredriksen’s Golden Ocean predicted more difficulty ahead for the dry bulk market as it rang the changes to bed in for a longer downturn.

Newbuildings have been converted, sold and delayed, discussions are underway with banks to improve its balance sheet further and a landmark charter deal with RWE has been redrawn.

“Golden Ocean expects the market to be challenging also for the next six to 12 months,” its third quarter report said.

“Rates