In this Capital Link Trending News Webinar, Mr. Hamish Norton, President of Star Bulk Carriers (NASDAQ: SBLK), discussed the company's performance and outlook. The discussion highlighted Star Bulk's focus on returning capital to shareholders through dividends and buybacks while positioning the company to benefit from favorable dry bulk market fundamentals. Mr. Norton explained that despite trading at a discount to net asset value (NAV), Star Bulk continues buying back shares using proceeds from vessel sales while returning operating cash flow to shareholders through dividends. The company's fleet renewal strategy focuses on timing and pricing rather than maximum growth, with Mr. Norton noting that fleet quality is more important than ever given uncertain decarbonization regulations and market conditions. Looking ahead, Mr. Norton outlined dry bulk demand projections showing growth in iron ore, bauxite, and grains, particularly from Brazil and Guinea to China, while supply growth is expected to remain moderate at approximately 3.5%. He also noted that operational inefficiencies and higher fuel costs are contributing to slower vessel speeds and reduced effective fleet capacity. The discussion also covered geopolitical impacts, including developments surrounding the Strait of Hormuz and potential future reconstruction demand in Ukraine and other conflict zones, though Mr. Norton noted that green shipping regulatory developments have become less imminent than previously anticipated. The full webcast can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e6kR5EzWGkk&t=1s First Quarter Strength During a typically weak seasonal period for the sector, demand for key dry bulk commodities remained resilient. The strength was fueled by movements of iron ore, bauxite, grains and minor bulk cargoes, supported by Chinese restocking and a weaker U.S. dollar. Mr. Norton noted that disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz are likely to provide an additional obstacle in the coming quarters and have not yet been reflected during the first quarter.