The physical dry bulk market in 2016 was equivalent to 3.4bn tonnes of freight, carried by a fleet of approximately 10,500 vessels, equating to 795m tonnes, with another 69m of future deliveries. Asia accounts for half the world’s dry bulk cargo demand and China has become the key player in terms of dry bulk imports as well as exports of finished and semi-finished goods. FIS provides a complete service to clients including marketing cargoes, advising on timing of when to fix, managing post-fixture and operations. Freight rates have been at or close to historical lows but a combination of improved demand for raw materials and increased scrapping has seen volatility increase. FIS can provide a full spectrum service, combining research and analysis with hedging of bunker fuel, FFAs and options. Looking to grow our presence in this sector, FIS is considering acquisitions as well as organic growth to take advantage of the upturn in dry bulk freight markets.