Dimitris Monioudis, Chair of the Technical Committee at INTERCARGO (The International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners), calls for all stakeholders: charterers, ports, terminals, miners, insurers and financiers to break down silos and engage in better communication, collaboration and standardisation.
Working in isolation compromises safety, crew wellbeing and supply chain efficiency.
Dry bulk shipping moves the world.
Iron ore becomes bridges, factories and skyscrapers. Coal powers industry and homes. Without grain and fertilizers, populations go hungry. The dry cargo sector represents 43% of the global fleet by tonnage and performs 55% of global transport work.
In other words: more than half of all seaborne trade by volume.
Australia is at the centre of this industry.
It is a leading producer of iron ore and coal, as well as a major player in grains and critical minerals such as bauxite, manganese, copper concentrate, lithium and chromite. These exports sustain economic development and energy security worldwide, not just domestically.
In 2024–25, Australia’s resource and energy exports were valued at AUD $385 billion and are forecast to remain above $350 billion through 2026–27. Iron ore alone contributes over $100 billion annually. Metallurgical coal remains steady at $36–37 billion, and thermal coal, though gradually declining, will still deliver $26 billion by 2026–27.
Critical minerals, particularly lithium, are gaining momentum. Lithium earnings are forecast to grow from $4.8 billion to $6.1 billion by 2026–27 as demand for batteries accelerates. Copper exports will climb from $13 billion to $16 billion.
What does this mean operationally?
Cargo mix changes. Routes adjust. Ships and ports face new operational demands requiring infrastructure modification and upgrading.
