SMALL HANDY
After Chinese New Year, small tonnage in Pacific market illustrated an increased tendency, with more activities. Almost vessels with dwt 10,000 – 15,000 rated around $4000 to $5000. Although small tonnage market is improved better than before Chinese New Year, lacking cargo still happen. Although still have cargo on the market, but some Owners prefer for Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia bound order. Likewise, some Owrns did not prefer India/PG trade because they worry no cargo to delivery back to South – East Asia, almost need to ballast to Penang-Singapore to find cargo.
HANDYSIZE
In the Handy segment, hire levels in the Continent and Mediterranean regions are reported to have remained stable. In the South Atlantic, there’s ongoing uncertainty in the River Plate due to current draft restrictions. More charterers are turning to fixing supermax vessels for handy liftings. Activity in Brazil has remained steady, but increased enquiry will be necessary if tonnage lists begin to grow. Owners in the US Gulf and US East Coast continue to face challenges as enquiry levels remain low. Concerns persist that the lack of cargo may extend into mid-March. The Sunshine, with a deadweight tonnage (dwt) of 37,317 and prompt dates in Immingham, was reportedly placed on subjects for a trip from Antwerp-Rotterdam-Amsterdam-Ghent to East Coast Mexico with a cargo of fertilizer at $11,500.
With the conclusion of extended holidays in China, further improvements are observed for tonnage in Southeast Asia. Fresh enquiry from Australia and Indonesia is reported, with limited tonnage availability at present. Brokers also note improving bids for tonnage in North China, with further increases anticipated in the coming days. Tonnage in the range of 25,000-28,000 dwt is rated around $7,000-$8,000 for a trip from Vietnam to the Philippines and in the mid $5,000s for a trip from Indonesia to China.
SUPRAMAX
In the Atlantic regions, there are signs of improvement. Hire levels around $18,850 were discussed in the Mediterranean and Continent regions, with various directions being considered at favorable rates. A 53,000 dwt vessel open in West Africa was fixed for $22,000 for a trip carrying iron ore to China. There’s reported slight improvement in available cargo in the US Gulf and East Coast of South America. A 55,000 dwt vessel open was heard fixed at $26,000 for a trip from Venezuela to China with iron ore. In Asia, the market witnessed a notable increase in new enquiries and hire rate levels. Standard Supramax rates range from the low teens for trips within the Southeast Asia region to the high teens for trips to China/Far East destinations. A 57,000 dwt vessel open in South China was fixed at $13,700 for a trip from East Kalimantan to the Philippines – South China. Another 58,000 dwt vessel open in the Philippines was fixed at $18,000 for a trip from East Kalimantan to Korea. The Australian round saw less cargo open during the week. Owners expect $11,000 for Supramax vessels delivering to North China for Australian trips with redelivery in the China range. While the China/Far East market has seen improvements in cargo availability, hire rates remain at the lower end. Charterers are rating a 57,000 dwt vessel at $7,500 for delivery to North China for a trip to the WCI/PG range. Meanwhile, a 55,000 dwt vessel open in Tianjin was fixed at $7,000 for a trip from Korea to East Coast India. The India market was reported to remain stable, with a 53,000 dwt vessel fixed at $19,500 for a trip via the PG delivery from the WCI to the WCI. On the East Coast, a 56,000 dwt vessel was fixed at $15,000 for a trip from the ECI to China
