Dry Bulk improvements will drive an upturn in shipping earnings in the coming year despite continued struggles in the tanker market, Moody's says.

The ratings agency’s outlook for shipping in the coming 12 months remains stable with dry cargo expected to see an improved balance between supply and demand.

"Demand will slightly outstrip supply in the dry bulk segment, while supply and demand are likely to be pretty evenly matched in the container shipping segment,” said Maria Maslovsky, vice president - senior analyst at Moody's.