VTS Shipping on Tech, Market Outlook & Regulations | Geneva Dry 2026 - News and Statistics

Apr 9, 2026

According to a report from Splash247, Istanbul-based marine surveyor VTS Shipping is approaching the Geneva Dry 2026 conference with an emphasis on practical applications as new technologies become established and market pressures intensify. The company’s managing partner, Captain Ali Ihtiyaroglu, observed that several long-anticipated technologies are now yielding confirmed results during actual voyages.

He stated that wind-assisted propulsion systems like rotor sails are generating independently verified fuel savings reaching 25 percent during live operations. He noted that low-earth orbit satellite connectivity is transforming real-time vessel monitoring into a standard industry expectation, which fundamentally alters the scope of technical inspections. Artificial intelligence applications for route optimization and predictive maintenance are also advancing beyond trials, with a significant majority of operators reporting full integration.

Market Outlook Shows Diverging Segments

Regarding the market, Ihtiyaroglu indicated the larger dry bulk segment appears stable, with firm conditions for Capesize vessels supported by sustained commodity flows from the South Atlantic. Forward rates show a marked improvement compared to the previous year. The outlook for the mid-size Panamax segment is more complex, however, due to a high volume of new vessel deliveries coinciding with a reduction in coal trade, creating volume pressures.

He cautioned that this surge in newbuilds does not guarantee quality, as shipyards under volume pressure can lead to issues discovered later during inspections. For the current year, he emphasized that selectivity in operations is more critical than usual.

Industry Mindset and Spending Priorities in Transition

Ahead of the conference, Ihtiyaroglu expressed greater interest in practical workshops over formal announcements. On industry spending, he suggested a shift is underway but incomplete. Larger operators are reportedly linking investments in data to improved margins and seeing returns, while smaller operators remain focused primarily on unit cost.

This cost focus is evident in the survey market, where firms often compete by reducing fees, potentially leading to inexperienced personnel, hurried reports, and subsequent financial losses for clients that exceed initial savings. He characterized a low-cost survey as ultimately an expensive decision, particularly as environmental regulations increase scrutiny.

Emissions Regulations Intensify Accountability

Ihtiyaroglu pointed to his firm’s own 2025 figures as an alternative model, involving the supervision of a large volume of bunker operations globally and the delivery of millions in documented fuel savings directly to clients. He stressed that all surveys are conducted in-house by experienced staff to ensure accountability.

With the implementation of the EU Emissions Trading System and the IMO’s Carbon Intensity Indicator, he warned that postponing expenditure on quality is no longer a neutral act but creates a potential liability. The central question for companies is now which investments to make and with which partners. While the industry mindset is changing, Ihtiyaroglu concluded that in the survey sector, this shift is not occurring rapidly enough.

1. INTRODUCTION

Making Data-Driven Decisions to Grow Your Business

REPORT DESCRIPTION
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY AND THE AI PLATFORM
DATA-DRIVEN DECISIONS FOR YOUR BUSINESS
GLOSSARY AND SPECIFIC TERMS

2. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

A Quick Overview of Market Performance

KEY FINDINGS
MARKET TRENDS This Chapter is Available Only for the Professional EditionPRO

3. MARKET OVERVIEW

Understanding the Current State of The Market and its Prospects

MARKET SIZE: HISTORICAL DATA (2012–2025) AND FORECAST (2026–2035)
CONSUMPTION BY COUNTRY: HISTORICAL DATA (2012–2025) AND FORECAST (2026–2035)
MARKET FORECAST TO 2035

4. MOST PROMISING PRODUCTS FOR DIVERSIFICATION

Finding New Products to Diversify Your Business

TOP PRODUCTS TO DIVERSIFY YOUR BUSINESS
BEST-SELLING PRODUCTS
MOST CONSUMED PRODUCTS
MOST TRADED PRODUCTS
MOST PROFITABLE PRODUCTS FOR EXPORT

5. MOST PROMISING SUPPLYING COUNTRIES

Choosing the Best Countries to Establish Your Sustainable Supply Chain

TOP COUNTRIES TO SOURCE YOUR PRODUCT
TOP PRODUCING COUNTRIES
TOP EXPORTING COUNTRIES
LOW-COST EXPORTING COUNTRIES

6. MOST PROMISING OVERSEAS MARKETS

Choosing the Best Countries to Boost Your Export

TOP OVERSEAS MARKETS FOR EXPORTING YOUR PRODUCT
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UNSATURATED MARKETS
TOP IMPORTING MARKETS
MOST PROFITABLE MARKETS

7. PRODUCTION

The Latest Trends and Insights into The Industry

PRODUCTION VOLUME AND VALUE: HISTORICAL DATA (2012–2025) AND FORECAST (2026–2035)
PRODUCTION BY COUNTRY: HISTORICAL DATA (2012–2025) AND FORECAST (2026–2035)

8. IMPORTS

The Largest Import Supplying Countries

IMPORTS: HISTORICAL DATA (2012–2025) AND FORECAST (2026–2035)
IMPORTS BY COUNTRY: HISTORICAL DATA (2012–2025) AND FORECAST (2026–2035)
IMPORT PRICES BY COUNTRY: HISTORICAL DATA (2012–2025) AND FORECAST (2026–2035)

9. EXPORTS

The Largest Destinations for Exports

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EXPORTS BY COUNTRY: HISTORICAL DATA (2012–2025) AND FORECAST (2026–2035)
EXPORT PRICES BY COUNTRY: HISTORICAL DATA (2012–2025) AND FORECAST (2026–2035)

10. PROFILES OF MAJOR PRODUCERS

The Largest Producers on The Market and Their Profiles

11. COUNTRY PROFILES

The Largest Markets And Their Profiles

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11.1

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