Small Handy:
The Small Handy segment in the Pacific market remains stable and compares favorably with other tonnage sizes. In the China/Far East range, a shortage of cargo orders is observed for 10,000-13,000 dwt vessels, with rates ranging from $4,000 to $5,000 for trips to South East Asia and $6,500 to $7,000 for trips to East Coast India. South East Asia maintains a slightly stronger hire rate than the China/Far East range, with rates ranging from $4,500 to $5,500 for 10,000-13,000 dwt vessels, contingent on speed and consumption for trips within the Pacific.
Handysize:
In the Handysize segment, there are indications of a potential market bottom in specific Atlantic regions. Reports suggest an improved sentiment, citing limited tonnage availability on the Continent, leading to enhanced charterer bids. The Mediterranean has experienced muted activity, with emerging hints of changing sentiment. In the South Atlantic, limited tonnage availability is anticipated throughout January and into February, signaling a potential shift in favor of owners in the near future. Notably, reports mention the Nava Ulysses (34,898 2012) open in South Brazil linked to fixing a coastal grains cargo basis delivery from Recalada to North Brazil at $12,750. Similarly, the Saint Vassilios (33,889 2012) is rumored to have been fixed for a trip from Santos to Morocco at $11,750, although further details are pending.
Following recent positivity in South East Asia, brokers note a more balanced market and caution that additional inquiries are needed for further improvements. The situation in North China-Japan remains unchanged, with a lack of inquiries maintaining pressure on prompt tonnage. There are rumors surrounding the Schuyler Trader (35,439 2013) opening in Singapore from January 21 to 24, reportedly placed on subjects for a trip via Australia to South Korea at $8,000 to Cargill.
Supramax:
In the Supramax segment, limited activities are noted in Atlantic areas with a consistent rate of around $15,850 in the Mediterranean and Continent. A 56,000 DWT vessel open in West Africa is fixed at $18,500 for a trip with iron ore to ECI. The USG and ECSA regions report no improvements in cargo flow. In Asia, the market witnesses a decrease with fewer open orders, resulting in a decline in hire rates. Owners anticipate $11,000 for SMX delivery in North China for an Aussie trip with redelivery in China. The China/Far East market sees some improvements in cargo availability, but hire rates remain at the lower end. Charterers rate a 57,000 DWT vessel at $6,500 for delivery in North China for a trip to WCI/PG range, while a 52,000 DWT vessel open in Tianjin is fixed at $6,000 for a trip to Indo. The India market reports a slight fall, with a 56,000 DWT vessel rated at around $12,250 for a trip from ECI to China. Less activity is reported in the West Coast and PG range, leading to a decrease in hire rates, with a 56,000 DWT vessel fixed at $18,300 for a trip from WCI to China.
By Ascent Bulk
