Additions to the newcastlemax fleet have soared by double digits this year.
Data from Braemar ACM shows that in the year-to-date, 9.2m dwt of newcastlemaxes have left Asian shipyards to join the merchant fleet, swelling the bulker segment by 12.3%, the highest growth in any dry bulk sector this year.
Overall, the total dry bulk fleet has now increased by 3%, or 26.2m dwt so far in 2021, rising to 902m dwt this week, made up of 11,318 vessels, Braemar ACM data shows. Ultramaxes are the second biggest growers this year.
The total orderbook for the dry bulk sector currently lies at 7.5% of the existing fleet, up from a low of 6.3% in March.
The total number of dry bulk orders is nearing 400 ships this year, highs not seen since 2018, according to Greece’s Eastgate Shipping.
Eastgate is reporting a 30% increase in the levels of the Chinese newbuilding price index where new capes now cost in excess of $60m.
