SMALL HANDY
The small tonnages in the Pacific market this week have continued the same trend as the previous week, characterized by limited firm activities and the impending holiday. In the China/Far East range, vessels with capacities between 10,000-13,000 dwt were priced in the mid $4,000 – $5,000 range for trips from China to Southeast Asia, intending to carry general cargo. Some shipowners are willing to ballast and cover their spot tonnage. The hire rates in Southeast Asia are comparable to those in the China/Far East range, with 10,000-13,000 dwt vessels in Southeast Asia priced at approximately $4,500-$5,500, contingent on speed and consumption for trips within the Pacific. A 13,000 dwt vessel open in Vietnam was rated close to mid $5,000 for a trip to the Far East, but no further details have been disclosed.
HANDYSIZE
Handy tonnages in the Pacific market last week displayed a negative but stable trend after an extended holiday period. In the Southeast Asia range, a 24,000 dwt vessel was fixed at $6,200, with delivery in Singapore for a one-time charter via Dumai to the Sulawesi range, intending to transport coke in bulk. Another 22,000 dwt vessel open in the Philippines was fixed at $6,000 DOP for a trip via Sulawesi to China. The Mv Shakespeare Bay (33,256 2011) open in Kaohsuing was rumored to have been fixed for a trip via Vietnam to South Korea-Japan in the mid $9,000’s. In the China/Far East range, brokers noted that hire rates were lower than in Southeast Asia, with many handy vessels still open and seeking suitable business. In the India range, brokers reported a negative market sentiment, and owners are avoiding allowing their vessels to trade in this area.
SUPRAMAX
Stability has been recorded in the Atlantic areas this week. The Mediterranean and Continent regions witnessed rates around $15,000 at the closing day. In the USG and ECSA regions, there were reports of fewer activities discussed with more tonnage available. A 57,000 DWT vessel was heard to be rated at $32,000 for a trip to China with iron ore, while a 53,000 DWT vessel open in West Africa was fixed at $22,500 for a trip to China.
In Asia, the market experienced a slowdown after a couple of peak weeks, with fewer open orders leading to a decrease in hire rates during the week. Some charters held Supramax vessels at $10,000 for trips within the Southeast Asia range. A 56,000 DWT vessel was rated at $14,000 with delivery in Singapore for a trip from South Kalimantan to China with coal. Meanwhile, owners expected mid-teen level rates for vessels open in the Philippines for an Australian trip, redelivering in the China range.
The China/Far East market showed some improvements in cargo availability, but hire rates remain at the lower end. Charterers rated a 57,000 DWT vessel at $7,500 with delivery in North China for a trip from Korea to Taiwan. Meanwhile, a 60,000 DWT vessel open in CJK was aiming for $8,000 for a trip to WCI-PG, with charters expected to fix at $7,000.
The India market was reported with a slight decline. On the East Coast, a 56,000 DWT vessel was rated at around $13,200 for a trip from ECI to China. In the West Coast and PG range, fewer activities were discussed, partly due to more tonnage available, leading to a decrease in hire rates. It was heard that a 57,000 DWT vessel was fixed at $18,000 for a trip from PG to ECI.
BY ASCENT BULK
