INTERCARGO: Benchmarking Bulk Carriers Report (2025-2026)

INTERCARGO, the International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners, publishes -on a yearly basis- the Benchmarking Bulk Carriers report.

The Benchmarking Bulk Carriers 2025-2026 report evaluates the bulk carrier industry through various performance indicators. The report provides information on detention rates and deficiencies per inspection (DPI) across Flag States, Class, insurers, and Port State Control, in addition to owners’ benchmarking and a review of the negative performance indicators currently affecting the sector.

More info on the Benchmarking Bulk Carriers reports that have been published by INTERCARGO, can be found here.

Foreword / Executive Summary

In 2026, the dry bulk sector continues to navigate a complex landscape shaped by both opportunity and uncertainty. Building on the progress achieved in 2025, INTERCARGO remains firmly committed to supporting its members and advancing quality, safety, and sustainability across the global fleet.

The present report provides a critical evaluation of the bulk carrier sector through a range of key performance indicators, outlined in the sections that follow. At the outset, it is also important to highlight a concerning industry-wide development: in 2025, the trend of rising crew abandonment continued, with 410 cases reported compared to 290 in 2024, which had already been a record year. A total of 6,233 seafarers were affected —the highest figure recorded to date. The shadow fleet and related sanctions remain key contributing factors.

Yet of the 2025 cases, only 41 (i.e., 10% of cases) involved bulk carriers, none of which were INTERCARGO members. While this represents an increase compared to 2024, it remains below the broader upward trend observed across other shipping factors.

The INTERCARGO badge of quality is widely recognized within the industry, the 17th edition of the Bulk Carriers’ Benchmarking Report provides a timely and data-driven reflection of our sector’s performance, highlighting not only areas of resilience and improvement, but also the challenges that demand continued vigilance.