From coal to critical minerals: How the energy transition is reshaping dry bulk trade – Drewry | 27/01/26

The global energy transition is reshaping dry bulk trade by accelerating the decline of coal and giving rise to new flows of material-intensive commodities, particularly lithium ores such as spodumene and lepidolite, shipped as bulk concentrates. These minerals, essential for electric vehicle (EV) batteries and energy storage systems, are rapidly growing in volume —with spodumene exceeding 6 million tonnes in 2025— generating dry bulk shipping demand and supporting the employment and utilisation of Handysize, Supramax and Panamax vessels on long-haul routes. Thus, rather than eliminating dry bulk demand, the shift toward cleaner energy is redefining the nature of cargoes and trade patterns in this maritime segment. Link to Article