The 11th annual Capital Link International Shipping Forum highlighted what a difference a year makes in shipping.

The event, which hosted 29 companies and 900 attendees, started as usual with a discussion on dry bulk shipping. But with dry bulk freight rates now in recovery, mood of the morning panel was much improved than in previous gatherings.

“I feel genuinely happy to moderate this panel,” said Clarksons Platou shipping analyst Herman Hildan.