The flooding in Texas has disrupted dry bulk transportation at the ports of Corpus Christi, Houston, and Galveston, leading to ship backlogs and transportation delays. This is expected to increase regional freight rates and impact supply chain stability. Market participants need to enhance their preparedness to handle future uncertainties and potential economic fluctuations.
Severe flooding in Texas has affected bulk cargo ports, leading to delays in cargo transport, potential queues of vessels, and rising freight costs, posing challenges to the global supply chain. The export and import of bulk goods at key ports have been impacted, and future market fluctuations require attention.
Bulk cargo refers to loose goods that are not packaged and is categorized into liquid and dry cargo. It plays a crucial role in global trade and is associated with bulk loading methods such as barrelized fuel and bagged cement. Understanding bulk cargo helps enhance knowledge of logistics and market dynamics.
Bulk cargo transport is a critical aspect of global trade, encompassing both liquids and dry goods. This article explores the definition and classification of bulk cargo, the various transport methods, and compares them with breakbulk cargo. It also analyzes key considerations during the transportation process and the impact of international regulations.
In the first half of 2025, cargo volume at the Port of Rotterdam decreased by 4.1%, with significant declines in both dry bulk and liquid bulk shipments. Although there was a slight increase in bulk throughput and a 2.7% growth in container transport, overall competitiveness remains under severe pressure. The port authority expressed concerns about low investment levels, highlighting the importance of revitalizing trade vitality for the future.
Bulk cargo refers to independent goods that cannot fit into standard containers and require various transportation methods, often involving longer handling times. Unlike regular bulk, these goods need to be loaded and unloaded separately using specialized equipment. They are crucial in the construction and manufacturing industries, but their transportation is complex and can lead to increased costs.
The bulk shipping market outlook is optimistic, with port congestion and domestic demand aiding in the absorption of capacity. New ship deliveries must be managed to stabilize rental rates.
Norwegian shipping company Golden Ocean Group expects that the dry bulk shipping market can absorb 10% of new vessel capacity due to port congestion and demand for coastal trade in China. Although the number of new ship deliveries needs to be reduced by 40% to maintain high charter rates, the market still shows resilience and potential for growth.
This article analyzes the underlying reasons for the sharp rise in container shipping prices alongside the continuous decline of the Baltic Dry Index (BDI) in the bulk cargo market. It points out that the container shipping market is thriving due to the recovery of foreign trade, while the bulk cargo market is in decline due to weak steel demand, revealing the opposition and mutual influence between the two in the context of economic reality.
The new deep-water bulk carrier berths at the Port of Liverpool have officially opened, aimed at enhancing the port's loading and unloading capacity and efficiency to meet the growing demands of international trade. This modern facility provides safe and efficient cargo handling services for large bulk vessels, reinforcing Liverpool's significant position in the global logistics network.
