The third edition of Geneva Dry, the world’s premier commodities shipping conference, has opened in style, with a packed first day of dealmaking, debate and networking that underlined the Swiss city’s status as a hub for the dry bulk and commodities shipping world. Delegates flooded the conference floor from the opening bell, with shipbrokers, owners, traders and financiers wasting little time in getting down to business. By mid-afternoon, multiple agreements had been signed, as the face-to-face environment that Geneva Dry has become known for once again proved its worth in an industry that still runs on relationships and trust. Inside the conference hall, sessions ranged across the full breadth of the commodities shipping landscape with a record number of charterers in the room. Panels tackled the near-term outlook for the major dry bulk trades against a backdrop of shifting trade flows, geopolitical uncertainty and softening freight rates. Decarbonisation featured prominently, with shipowners and charterers debating the pace of the green transition and the practical realities of alternative fuels. The implications of the Hormuz crisis for commodity supply chains, bunker availability and vessel deployment also drew standing-room crowds. The corridors and meeting rooms told their own story, with meetings running well into the evening as attendees made the most of having so much of the industry gathered under one roof. Moreover, throughout the week, many top names in shipping and commodities have been organising parties on the sidelines of the event. One of the conference organisers said the energy on day one had surpassed even their most optimistic expectations. “Geneva Dry has become the meeting that the dry bulk and commodities world simply cannot afford to miss. The quality of the conversations, the deals being done and the ideas being exchanged here confirm that this is where the industry comes to do serious business – and this year is the best yet,” said one organiser. The second and final day gets underway shortly, while bookings for 2027 – scheduled for April 27 and 28 – are already being confirmed. googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1_95_0_1_2'); }); TagsGeneva Dry