Liquid and Bulk Transportation Vessels Market Report 2026

The liquid and bulk transportation vessels market size has grown steadily in recent years. It will grow from $865.31 billion in 2025 to $899.63 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to growth in global seaborne trade of oil and chemicals, expansion of offshore energy exploration activities, rising demand for bulk commodity transportation, modernization of aging vessel fleets, strengthening of maritime safety regulations.

The liquid and bulk transportation vessels market size is expected to see steady growth in the next few years. It will grow to $1.03 trillion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.6%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to increasing investments in lng and alternative fuel carriers, rising focus on low-emission vessel technologies, expansion of inland and short-sea shipping routes, growing adoption of digital fleet management systems, increasing demand for specialized hazardous cargo vessels. Major trends in the forecast period include increasing deployment of specialized chemical and lng carriers, rising demand for double-hull vessel designs, growing adoption of smart navigation and monitoring systems, expansion of multi-purpose bulk transportation vessels, enhanced focus on hazardous cargo safety standards.

The growth of international trade is expected to boost the liquid and bulk transportation vessels market in the future. International trade involves the exchange of products, services, and capital across national borders, including the importing and exporting of goods between countries. Several factors, such as trade agreements, economic growth, and exchange rate liberalization policies, are contributing to the rise in global trade. Liquid and bulk transportation vessels facilitate cost-effective global trade by transporting large volumes of cargo and incorporating specialized systems for handling hazardous materials. Their efficiency and safety features are crucial for maintaining a steady supply of essential goods, which supports economic growth and development. For example, in August 2024, the United States Census Bureau reported that exports in June 2024 increased to $265.9 billion, up by $3.9 billion from May, while imports rose to $339 billion, an increase of $2 billion from the previous month. Thus, the expanding international trade is driving the growth of the liquid and bulk transportation vessels market.

Leading companies in the liquid and bulk transportation vessel market are focused on developing advanced products, such as chemical transportation tankers, to improve safety, efficiency, and cargo handling capabilities. Chemical transportation tankers are specialized vessels designed to transport liquid chemicals using modern containment systems suitable for both hazardous and non-hazardous materials. These vessels ensure secure and compliant transportation across regions and are essential in the chemical industry. For instance, in March 2023, Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., a Japan-based shipbuilding and marine engineering firm, introduced a liquefied carbon dioxide (LCO2) carrier. This new vessel, intended for carbon capture, use, and storage (CCUS), represents a major advancement in marine CO2 transportation. It is designed to transport liquefied CO2 at low temperatures and high pressures, making it suitable for long-distance voyages. The LCO2 carrier features a unique cargo tank system that meets international safety and technical standards.

In March 2024, MOL Chemical Tankers Pte. Ltd., a Singapore-based company specializing in the ocean transport of liquefied chemicals and oil, acquired Fairfield Chemical Carriers for $400 million. This acquisition aims to enhance MOL Chemical Tankers' operational capabilities and market presence by integrating Fairfield's fleet of 36 stainless steel chemical tankers with its own 81 vessels, creating one of the largest chemical tanker fleets globally. Following the acquisition, Fairfield will initially operate as a wholly-owned subsidiary, ensuring continuity of service for existing customers and seeking opportunities to improve service quality through potential synergies. Fairfield Chemical Carriers, a US-based manufacturer, specializes in liquid and bulk transportation vessels, including chemical tankers.

Major companies operating in the liquid and bulk transportation vessels market are CMA CGM Group, Hapag-Lloyd AG, Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd., Seaboard Marine, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Maersk Tankers A/S, Pacific Basin Limited, Stolt-Nielsen, Seatrium Limited, Scorpio Tankers Inc., Star Bulk Carriers, Teekay Corporation, IINO KAIUN KAISHA LTD., Safe Bulkers, Nordic American Tankers, Odfjell SE, Höegh Autoliners, MOL Chemical Tankers, Zodiac Maritime, Seaspan ULC, Wilhelmsen Ship Management, Ace Tankers.

Europe was the largest region in the liquid and bulk transportation vessels market in 2025. The regions covered in the liquid and bulk transportation vessels market report are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the liquid and bulk transportation vessels market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The liquid and bulk transportation vessels market consists of sales of tanker barges, bulk carriers, reefer ships, chemical tankers, and flexible tank containers. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is, the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

This product will be delivered within 1-3 business days.