Capesize bulk carrier market seen reaching $16.32 billion by 2030

The capesize bulk carrier market is expected to rise from $13.05 billion in 2026 to $16.32 billion by 2030, driven by iron ore and coal trade, fleet replacement and demand for lower-emission shipping. Asia-Pacific held the largest market share in 2025 and is projected to grow fastest.

Why it matters: - Capesize bulk carriers move massive volumes of iron ore, coal and other raw materials over long distances, making them central to global industrial supply chains. - Growth in this market reflects rising demand for bulk commodity transport, expanding steel production and continued infrastructure development. - The shift toward fuel-efficient and lower-emission vessels shows how shipping operators are adapting to cost and sustainability pressures.

What happened: - The Business Research Company said the capesize bulk carrier market rose from $12.29 billion in 2025 to an expected $13.05 billion in 2026. - The market is forecast to reach $16.32 billion by 2030, implying a 5.8% CAGR from 2026 to 2030. - The forecast was released Sept. 25, 2026, from London.

The details: - Capesize bulk carriers are large dry bulk ships, typically above 150,000 deadweight tons, built to carry high volumes of raw materials. - The market’s recent growth has been supported by rising global trade in iron ore and coal, stronger raw material transport demand, expanding steel production, deeper maritime shipping networks and investment in large bulk fleets. - Future growth is expected to come from energy-efficient capesize vessels, sustainable maritime transport demand, replacement of aging fleets, worldwide infrastructure buildout and higher-capacity cargo transport needs. - Market trends identified in the report include fuel-efficient vessels, eco-friendly ship designs aimed at reducing emissions, refurbishment of older fleets, expansion of dry bulk transport capacity and better vessel maintenance and operations optimization. - A free sample report is available here. - The full report is available here.

Between the lines: - Iron ore trade is a key demand engine because capesize vessels can move large shipments at lower cost per ton over long routes. - In May 2025, data from the Government of Western Australia’s Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science, and Innovation showed China imported 1,173 million tonnes of iron ore, or 72% of global iron ore imports. - That concentration underscores how dependent the market is on Asian steel demand and long-haul ore flows. - Asia-Pacific held the largest share of the global market in 2025 and is projected to be the fastest-growing region over the forecast period. - The report also covers South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, the Middle East and Africa.

What’s next: - The market is expected to keep expanding as older bulk carrier fleets are replaced and shipping companies order more efficient vessels. - Infrastructure spending and industrial production will remain important demand drivers through 2030. - The Business Research Company said its 2026 reports include market attractiveness scoring, TAM analysis, company scoring matrix graphics, Excel-based forecasting dashboards, market hotspot infographics and updated trend analysis. - The company provided contact details for Saumya Sahay for expert inquiries and listed its social media channels and website for additional information.