Drewry launches new breakbulk indices

This update aims to better reflect the complexities of the multipurpose shipping sector, particularly highlighting the resilience of project cargo, which has outperformed general cargo since the post-Covid boom.

“With further increases in project cargo volumes anticipated in the second half of this decade, we expect the current divergence in market dynamics to continue,” said Dr Ferenc Pasztor, head of ports and specialised shipping research.

“To better present the status of the discreet sub categories within the overall multipurpose shipping sector, we have introduced these new breakbulk sea transport indices, which will be updated and published monthly on the Drewry website.”

This long-awaited change not only emphasises the strength of the MPV sector but also extends insights beyond the vessel charter market, providing valuable indicators for the freight market.

“While we recognise these new indices are by no means a perfect representation of the seaborne breakbulk freight market,” continued Dr Pasztor, “the inclusion of various sectors (MPV, dry bulk, containerships, RoRo) and vessel capacity categories provide a robust market assessment in a sector where freight rates cannot be standardised in the way shipping containers facilitate standardisation.”

Drewry’s Multipurpose Shipping Forecaster offers quarterly updates on charter rates and forecasts across various multipurpose vessel types.

Subscribers receive comprehensive 5-year forecasts for the global breakbulk and heavy lift shipping markets, along with monthly updates on market developments, including the latest charter rates and asset values.