DIVERSIFIED “and future-proof” Belgium-based maritime group CMB.Tech is expecting to produce better earnings next time after third-quarter results reflected a softer shipping market than currently prevails.

“Results in Q3 reflected the softer market but stronger bookings in Q4 will significantly improve the result going forward,” said chief executive Alexander Saverys.

“After a relatively quiet summer and seasonally lower rates, tanker and dry bulk markets came roaring back and are at multi-year highs.”

Saverys underlined that the company, which is listed in New York, Brussels and Oslo, is continuing to “rejuvenate and decarbonise” its fleet.

Since mid-year it has sold an 18 year-old very large crude carrier and a 2009-built capesize bulker, while taking delivery of seven newbuildings.

Spanning several sectors, the new arrivals included two super-eco newcastlemaxes, a VLCC, a chemical tanker, a commissioning service operation vessel and two crew transfer vessels.

The group also disclosed that its Windcat offshore wind market subsidiary has inked a new contract with Damen Shipyards for at least one extra-large CSOV for delivery in 2028, with an option for five more.

The underlying offshore wind market remains challenging, the group said.

There was “a continued disconnect between auction awards (secured offtake) and final investment decisions,” and several zero-bid auctions in 2025 reflected “margin pressure and cost inflation across the supply chain”.

CMB owns a total of about 250 vessels including bulkers, crude oil tankers, chemical tankers, container vessels, offshore energy vessels and port vessels.

It also offers hydrogen and ammonia fuel to customers, through own production or third-party producers.

Third-quarter revenues doubled compared with the same period last year, to $454.2m, after significant additions to the fleet.

But net income sank to $17.3m, from $98.1m in the year-ago quarter.

CMB.Tech has declared an interim dividend of $0.05 per share.