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MPV confidence reaches highest level since 2022

[ August 7, 2026   //   ]

The market outlook for multipurpose (MPV)  and heavy-lift shipping strengthened sharply in the third quarter, with One World Shipbroker’s latest Market Sentiment Index (MSI) climbing to 54.7, its highest level since the post-pandemic container shipping boom of 2022.

The quarterly survey led by Justin Archard, attributes the improved sentiment to tightening vessel availability, stronger cargo flows and continuing disruptions that are extending voyage times and reducing effective fleet capacity.

According to the report, carriers are reporting a significant shortage of available tonnage in Asia, while congestion, longer Red Sea routings and uneven fleet distribution are creating capacity constraints across the broader MPP and breakbulk market.

Sentiment also improved toward future Suez Canal transits, although operators remain cautious. The average willingness score to transit the region rose to 4.9 from 2.8 earlier this year, but many carriers continue to avoid the Bab el-Mandeb Strait because of security concerns and persistent congestion.

The survey found optimism was strongest among Americas-based carriers, driven largely by energy-related cargo demand. Respondents cited investment in power generation, oil and gas, petrochemicals and infrastructure, along with growing electricity demand tied to AI data centers, as key drivers of future project cargo activity

One World Shipbrokers said the combination of an aging global fleet, limited new vessel deliveries and expanding energy project activity is expected to keep vessel supply tight through 2027, supporting freight rates and carrier confidence.

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