Bulker owners are in for a tough year, according to shipbroking group Fearnleys, which forecasts zero demand growth for the sector in 2025.
Dry bulk analyst Bernhard Baardson said challenges will come due to the strong US dollar, high interest rates and the time lag before Chinese economic stimulus measures affect bulker demand.
Manufacturing activity last year performed worse than services, a trend that will continue this year and is symptomatic of a weaker global economy, Baardson said, speaking at the Astrup Fearnley Shipping & Energy conference on Wednesday.