Weekly Cape Traffic Tracker – 2026 Week 13
Singapore tonnage falls to yearly lows as both Capesize and dedicated tonnage/VLOC flows weaken
Capesize tonnage passing through Singapore recorded 8.4 million DWT last week, down 2.0 million DWT from the previous week, remaining below the year-to-date average and slipping to its lowest level in a year. The decline was driven by weaker flows from both Standard Capesize/Newcastlemax vessels and dedicated tonnage/VLOCs, with the latter seeing the larger drop.
Looking ahead, tonnage supply through Singapore may remain at similar levels or see a slight increase in the coming week. This will largely depend on whether Standard Capesize/Newcastlemax vessels remain in the Pacific, while dedicated VLOC volumes are expected to edge higher.
From a broader perspective, the 3-week rolling average is currently tracking 24% higher year-on-year. Dedicated VLOCs are down 5% YoY, while Standard Capesize/Newcastlemax are up 51% YoY.
Australian Iron Ore Exports Plunge as Cyclone Narelle Disrupts Pilbara Operations
Widespread port disruptions and weather shutdowns drive sharp WoW decline
Australian iron ore exports fell sharply by 50.5% WoW to 10.6MDwt last week, with volumes declining across all major ports as operations were severely impacted by Tropical Cyclone Narelle
The disruption was widespread — on top of maintenance at Dampier and Esperance, there were ongoing repair works at Port Walcott, and temporary suspensions across Dampier, Port Walcott, Geraldton, and select berths at Port Hedland as the cyclone tracked along Western Australia’s coast. Heavy rainfall and strong winds swept across the northwest midweek, while Geraldton contended with persistent winds throughout the week, alongside some late-week showers.
Looking ahead, maintenance is scheduled at Dampier and Port Hedland, with repair works continuing at Port Walcott. However, weather conditions are expected to stabilise, with both the Pilbara and Geraldton forecast for fair weather. With operations resuming and weather risks easing, a sharp rebound in export volumes is likely in the coming week as backlogs begin to clear.
Australian Coal Exports Decline as Loadings Ease Across Key Terminals
Broad-based drop in coal flows as maintenance and weather add friction
Australian coal exports fell 14.9% WoW to 6.8MDwt last week, with both coking and steam coal volumes declining. The drop in coking coal shipments was led by weaker loadings out of Dalrymple Bay and Hay Point, while steam coal exports softened from Newcastle. The pullback came alongside maintenance at Newcastle and Abbot Point, with weather adding some friction.
Looking ahead, maintenance will continue at Newcastle, while weather conditions appear more manageable overall. However, exports this week still have room to fall based on the 4-year range tracking.
Brazil Iron Ore Extends Rebound, but Rollover Remains Elevated
Vale and juniors lift volumes, though monthly pace still lags prior periods
Brazilian iron ore exports continued to recover last week, rising 30% WoW to 8.5 million DWT, as both Vale and the junior miners posted stronger shipments. The daily run rate improved to 1.22 MDwt/day — a clear step up from recent weeks and above February’s pace.
Vale exports increased 22% WoW to 5.9 million DWT, supported by stronger loadings from PDM and CPBS, which more than offset softer flows from GIT and Tubarão. Junior miner exports rose even more sharply, up 50% WoW to 2.6 million DWT, driven by gains from Minas Rio, Sudeste, and Ponta Ubu, while CSN edged lower. At Itaguaí, showers are expected from Tuesday onwards.
Despite the recent rebound, March exports have tracked below both February and the same period last year. Vale remains weaker on a MoM and YoY basis, while junior miner volumes are broadly stable MoM but still trailing last year’s pace.