Sentiment in the multipurpose and breakbulk shipping market reached its highest level since 2022 in July 2026, with vessel availability tightening in Asia and congestion affecting schedules in the Middle East.
Justin Archard’s 22nd Market Sentiment Index for the MPP and breakbulk sector recorded a reading of 54.7. The July edition identified long waits at congested ports and uneven fleet distribution among the conditions affecting the market.
The report said carriers were experiencing a significant shortage of available tonnage in Asia, with the effects extending into the wider market.
Vessel schedules are also being affected around the Red Sea and nearby Middle Eastern ports. According to the MSI, vessels serving Red Sea, Omani and Yemeni ports have faced waits of more than a month for berths. The report also cited continuing risks around the Bab al-Mandeb Strait and restrictions affecting the Strait of Hormuz.
Separate charter-market data from Toepfer Transport put its Multipurpose Shipping Index at $12,903 per day for July. The TMI represents the monthly average assessment for a six- to 12-month time charter of a 12,500-dwt MPP/heavy-lift F-Type vessel.
The Hamburg shipbroker’s published figures also showed TMI-P6 at 1.73% and TMI-P12 at 3.16%, representing its six- and 12-month forward assessments.
The July indicators therefore show stronger sentiment among MPP and breakbulk market participants alongside reported shortages of available vessels in Asia and continuing schedule delays at Middle Eastern ports.
