SMALLHANDY
In the small tonnage sector of the Pacific Market, conditions have remained steady this week, providing favorable outcomes for owners. Vessels ranging between 10,000 to 15,000 deadweight tonnage (dwt) are fetching rates in the range of $4,500 to $5,500. Additionally, there’s been an offer for Coke cargo from Indonesia to Cam Pha at a competitive price, suitable for vessels interested in returning to Vietnam. Bagged rice continues to be a popular cargo in South Vietnam and Thailand, with charterers seeking vessels at freight rates ranging from high USD 20 per metric ton (pmt) to low USD 30 pmt. However, challenges persist in trading cargoes to India due to low freight rates and congestion at Indian ports, leading some vessels to face extended wait times for berthing, discouraging owners from engaging in trades to that region.
HANDYSIZE
Across the handy segment, stability characterizes the markets in the Continent and the Mediterranean, with reports indicating a balanced yet quiet week overall. Owners in the South Atlantic are experiencing further improvements as tonnage availability remains tight, particularly for larger handies, with expectations for continued enhancement in the near future. In the US Gulf and US East Coast, a more balanced scenario is observed. Recent fixtures include a voyage from Vitoria to Rotterdam at $20,500 and a trip from Norfolk to Antwerp-Rotterdam-Amsterdam-Ghent at $11,000. In South East Asia, fresh enquiries have slowed, and negative sentiment is beginning to emerge. Similarly, activity in North China-Japan has decreased, although levels are currently stable. Specific fixtures include the Tao Star (25,064 dwt 2010) at $12,000 for a Pacific round and a 28,000 dwt vessel from Richards Bay to the Continent at $15,000, although further details are pending.
SUPRAMAX
Positive trends persist in the Atlantic, with robust numbers reported across most areas. Fixtures include the MV Free State (58,679 dwt 2008) from Fazendina to Italy at $21,000 and the MV Sozon (50,779 dwt 2010) from Paranagua to Germany at $22,000. Additionally, the MV Ocean Freedom (55,771 dwt 2010) secured a front haul trip from West Africa at $27,500. However, limited fresh enquiry from Indonesia is exerting downward pressure on this area. In the Indian Ocean, fixtures include the MV Fast (55,398 dwt 2012) from South Africa to India at $20,000 plus a $200,000 ballast bonus, and the MV IVS Naruo (60,317 dwt 2014) from Pipavav to Salalah for a trip to WC India. The MV Ning Feng 316 (54,286 dwt 2009) was reportedly fixed from Singapore to China via Indonesia at $16,000, although further details are awaited.
