International Bulk Shipping Conference highlighted tightening safety rules, costly decarbonisation choices and the growing role of validated data and wind assistance
Bulk carriers were shown to be at the forefront of efficiency improvements, but delegates at the International Bulk Shipping Conference, hosted by law firm Stephenson Harwood on 18 November 2025, heard repeated warnings that the next phase of regulation, fuel transition and data transparency would demand deeper operational discipline across the sector.
A tightly focused one-day agenda in London, led by event moderator Lookout Maritime chief executive Martin Crawford-Brunt, examined safety and cargo risk, regulatory change, decarbonisation options and the role of digital tools and wind-assisted propulsion in protecting margins in an increasingly exposed market.
Safety, regulation and cargo risk under scrutiny
The opening session set bulk carrier performance in a wider fleet context, benchmarking dry bulk against tankers and container ships on carbon intensity and showing that bulk carriers had already delivered substantial efficiency gains since 2008.
Delegates were reminded that segment, trade and operating profile mattered: meaningful decisions on investment and compliance depended on vessel-specific, validated data rather than generic benchmarks.
Regulatory updates underline how fast the risk landscape is shifting
Speakers highlighted new ballast water record-keeping rules effective from February 2025 and the move to electronic records from October, Marpol Annex VI amendments for low-flashpoint fuels and their bunker documentation implications.
Changes highlighted included new obligations on cargo density and the reclassification of direct reduced iron as a dangerous cargo.
