The Dry Bulk Market: What's Next?

The IMO’s draft Net-Zero Framework, developed at MEPC 83, marked a major step forward in maritime climate regulation. But is it enough to put shipping on track for reaching net-zero, and will it pass the final hurdle at IMO’s extraordinary session in October 2025? In this episode, KCC’s Head of Decarbonization Peter Rayers sits down with Helene Tofte, Executive Director of the Department of International Cooperation and Climate at the Norwegian Shipowner’s Association. Together, they dig into what still needs to happen before the framework is adopted in October, and how its design could impact the way shipping companies plan, invest, and operate in the years ahead. Discussion points: Will the Net Zero Framework be adopted in October? Which parts of the regulation still need to be clarified or developed: such as biofuels treatment, compliance rules, and pricing/rewards? How might the regulation evolve over the 2030s, progressively or regressively, and how should the industry plan around that uncertainty? What does the NZF mean for KCC’s strategy: supporting energy efficiency, future fuels, and the value of our vessel concept? Helene Tofte is the Executive Director of the Department of International Cooperation and Climate. She has the overarching responsibility for the Norwegian Shipowners’ Association’s international engagement and climate activities, with special focus on monitoring international climate processes and our participation in the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS). 

In this episode of Future Bound, we’re turning our focus to the heart of our operations - our seafarers. Our unique vessels transport both dry bulk and liquid cargo, requiring highly skilled crews with deep operational knowledge across both segments. Joining us in the studio to discuss this were Captain Adrian Dima and Captain Lupsor Cornel, two seasoned seafarers with a combined history sailing on nine of our vessels. At the time of recording they were due to take command of MV Bass and MV Barramundi but before setting sail, they sat down with Future Bound for a candid discussion on what it’s like to sail with KCC. Together, they dive into the realities of life at sea aboard combination carriers, the challenges and rewards of managing dual-segment operations, and how technological innovation is reshaping the onboard experience. Central to the discussion is a topic we’re particularly proud of: our 90% seafarer retention rate. In an industry where turnover is common, this number speaks volumes and the episode explores what drives long-term commitment, the impact of career development and company culture, and what truly makes a difference in crew welfare and retention. 

In this episode of Future Bound, Ingeborg Almås, Senior Analyst at Clarksons Norway AS, and Kristian S. Hauff, Market Analyst at Klaveness Dry Bulk, sit down with Engebret Dahm, CEO of Klaveness Combination Carriers, to discuss recent developments in the dry bulk market and what lies ahead. With some analysts predicting a downturn, is the outlook truly as bleak as it seems, or could the market defy expectations and surprise on the upside in 2025? Tune in for expert insights on the future of dry bulk trade.

In this episode, Peter Rayers, Head of Decarbonization at KCC, sits down with Andreas Haavik, Head of Newbuilding at KCC, to discuss functionality of the bound4blue suction sails that will be installed on the upcoming KCC newbuildings. They also dive into selecting the optimal wind-assisted propulsion system based on vessel design and trading patterns. 

In this episode, CEO Engebret Dahm and Peter Rayers, Head of Decarbonization at KCC, discuss the latest updates on IMO regulations and the efforts to establish new mid-term measures for decarbonization in the shipping industry. They break down what these measures mean, the challenges involved in reaching an agreement and what it means for the progress towards net zero.

Host: Peter Rayers Head of Decarbonization, Klaveness Combination Carriers Guest: Robert Haqquist Charterer and Decarbonization Lead, South32   Robert Haggquist reveals South32's approach to reducing shipping emissions, and how our Carbon Adjustment Factor (CAF) could be a silver bullet for the shipping industry.

It is five years since KCC took delivery of the first CLEANBU vessel and 10 years since the work on the CLEANBU concept was initiated. In this episode, KCC’s CEO, Engebret Dahm, and the VP Global Head of CLEANBU Chartering, Snorre Blix, talk about this journey. Discussion points include introduction to the CLEANBU capabilities and activities, challenges and successes during the first five years and future prospects.   Host: Engebret Dahm, CEO, Klaveness Combination Carriers   Guest: Snorre Blix, VP, Global Head of CLEANBU Chartering, Klaveness Combination Carriers

KCC CEO Engebret Dahm joins Nordnet analyst Roger Berntsen in a conversation about the company's quarterly figures and future outlook.  In Norwegian language only.  About Nordnet: Nordnet is a bank for investments and savings, based in Norway, Denmark, Finland and Sweden. The idea behind Nordnet is to give customers control of their money and investments. 

Christopher Vonheim is the host of Vonheim. A popular podcast and YouTube show covering ocean industries, investing and start-ups, with interviews from the best investors, leaders and entrepreneurs.    In the episodes, you learn what it takes to run a successful company and build a business moat. How to find your edge in investing, and all the different opportunities in shipping and ocean industries going forward. The podcast is also available on the YouTube channel of Vonheim.  

Host: Peter Rayers Head of Decarbonization, Klaveness Combination Carriers Guest: Roger Strevens VP Regulatory & Environmental Affairs, Wallenius Wilhelmsen MEPC 81 — shaping a difficult, disruptive, and dear transition In this episode of Future Bound, we explore the implications of the MEPC 81 meeting in March 2024, which further developed a selection of so-called "mid-term measures" that aim to force the shipping industry towards its recently-strengthened decarbonisation goals. The episode is hosted by Peter Rayers and features Roger Strevens, VP Regulatory & Environmental Affairs at Wallenius Wilhelmsen and Chair of the World Shipping Council's Environmental & Climate Council.  Roger provides perspective from and on the shipping industry, and the associations that bridge the industry with its main regulator; the IMO. Discussion points include: Now that the dust has settled from MEPC81, what happens next? Why exactly are certain owners & operators interested in developing strong regulations? Energy efficiency, the fuel transition, and closing the gap. Broader implications of a growing body of environmental regulation: compliance, risk management, and digitalisation.