SMALL HANDY
Amidst the overall rising trend in the shipping market, the small tonnage segment is showing promise for the upcoming week. In the Pacific Ocean, there’s a notable emergence of clinker orders being imported from China, marking a significant development after a prolonged period. Recognizing the market’s upward trajectory across all tonnage sizes, several Chinese and Vietnamese owners are actively considering time charter periods for mini-sized tonnage. Consequently, there’s a growing openness among owners towards opportunities in the India/Persian Gulf route. Vessels with deadweight tonnage (dwt) ranging from 10,000 to 19,000 are currently rated between $4,000 and $6,500, with human consumable products like rice and corn remaining the most popular commodities.
HANDY
In the Handy segment, despite a lack of visible activity across the Continent and Mediterranean, there’s a prevailing sense of positivity. In the South Atlantic, there’s increased fresh enquiry for the second half of March from Argentina and Brazil. The Radius, with a dwt of 36,976, was reportedly fixed for a trip to Turkey at $9,250, passing Key West. In West Africa, rumors suggest that the Ariston Bulker, with a dwt of 37,594, open in Luanda, may have fixed a voyage cargo to Singapore-Japan, although details are awaited. South East Asia remains active, with limited tonnage availability and rising levels of enquiry. Charterers are sourcing tonnage from further afield for Australian loading requirements, leading owners to consider cargo loading from North China-Japan and the NoPac regions. Period interest persists, with the dwt 28,213 vessel open in China rumored to have been fixed for 5 to 7 months at $10,800, awaiting further confirmation. Vessels in the range of 23,000-28,000 dwt are rated at mid $5,000s to $8,000s for a period of 3 to 6 months, with owners exercising patience for potential developments in the upcoming week.
SUPRAMAX
In the Supramax segment, the Pacific Ocean continues to exhibit positivity, with stronger numbers discussed and increased fresh enquiry. MV CL Sha He, with a dwt of 63,092, open in Cigading, was placed on subjects for a trip to the US Gulf at $9,000, although further details are awaited. MV Bao Lai, open in Haiphong, was reportedly fixed for a trip via Indonesia with redelivery in China, estimated at around $12,000-$12,500, pending additional information. Rumors suggest that the Jin Ji, open in Phu My, was fixed for a similar trip via Indonesia with redelivery in China at $16,900 or higher. In the Indian Ocean, hire rates remain positive, with vessels like MV Darya Maya and MV Amis Dolphin rumored to have been placed on subjects for various trips. More period activity is visible, with vessels like Aikaterini and MV Jin Ming 82 reportedly fixed for longer durations at competitive rates.
BY ASCENT BULK
