Bulk carrier newbuilding orders have risen almost four-fold this year, according to data from Clarksons.

The world’s largest shipbroker counts 189 new dry cargo vessels contracted in 2017 as contracts rebounded from record lows seen in 2016.

New bulkers account for 29% of the 660 fresh vessels put into the global orderbook this year, Clarksons explains.

Overall, newbuilding activity has increased by 24% this year on an annualized basis, the brokerage says.