Dry bulk carriers entered with INTERCARGO continue to demonstrate stronger performance than the global fleet average on safety and compliance, according to the Association's 17th edition Benchmarking Report. The report highlights meaningful differences across the sector, with significant variations in inspection outcomes, operational risk and regulatory performance.
INTERCARGO-member ships recorded a Detention Rate of 1.5% in 2025, against 2.5% for the global bulk carrier fleet, and a Deficiencies per Inspection ratio of 1.62, against 2.07 globally. Both measures rose only marginally for INTERCARGO-entered ships this year, at a notably slower rate than the wider fleet, while the global fleet recorded a more pronounced deterioration, further widening the performance gap.
Alan Nugent, Nautical Affairs Manager at INTERCARGO said: “Benchmarking is a fundamental component of effective safety management enabling organisations to assess their performance against industry peers and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
“The 17th Edition of Benchmarking Bulk Carriers serves as a valuable tool for the dry bulk sector, providing insight into performance across key metrics, including Port State Control performance, and crew injury and lost-time incidents.
“INTERCARGO continues to champion quality, safety and sustainability across the global fleet, while providing strong support and leadership for its membership.”
The Benchmarking Report draws on a range of public and commercial data sources to evaluate performance across key indicators, including Port State Control, casualty reporting and crew injury rates. Together with INTERCARGO’s wider safety initiatives, such as its annual Casualty Report and the recently launched Ship-To-Ship (STS) Transfer Guidelines, the Association seeks to strengthen safety, compliance and performance across the global dry bulk sector.
About INTERCARGO
The International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners (INTERCARGO) unites and promotes quality dry bulk shipping, bringing together almost 500 forward thinking companies operating close to 5,000 bulk carriers, from more than 35 countries. The Association provides the forum where dry bulk shipowners, managers and operators are informed about, discuss and share concerns and experience on key regulatory, technical and operational topics and challenges.
The Association advocates for its members’ positions at the IMO, EU as well as other national, regional and international shipping industry fora, striving to engage all maritime sector stakeholders.