Capesize Bulkers Bounce Back as Buyers Circle

The capesize bulker segment is making a comeback in the shipping market, with prices for these large dry bulk vessels continuing to firm in recent weeks. According to the latest broker reports compiled by Splash247, Chinese and Greek buyers have been particularly active in the capesize space, snapping up tonnage in early March 2026. This marks a shift from the past several weeks, where momentum had been concentrated in the kamsarmax and supramax segments, especially for early-2010s-built ships. 'Capesize bulkers are back on top in this week's broker reports as prices continue to firm,' Splash247 noted. The resurgence in capesize interest comes as the overall dry bulk market remains robust, with strong demand for commodities like iron ore and coal supporting elevated freight rates across vessel sizes. While the kamsarmax and supramax segments had been the 'stars of the show' in recent weeks, the capesize bulkers are now 'back in the limelight' as buyers compete for the largest ships, according to industry analysis. This underscores the cyclical nature of the shipping markets, where different vessel classes can take turns leading the charge depending on cargo flows and other market dynamics. Maritime industry observers will be watching closely to see if the capesize revival has legs or represents a temporary blip. In any case, the renewed interest in these massive bulk carriers is a positive sign for shipowners and a reflection of the overall health of the dry bulk shipping sector as 2026 gets underway.