SMALL HANDY
The small tonnage segment in the Pacific Market showed a slight downward trend this week. Bagged rice and fertilizer remained the common cargoes. Vessels ranging from 5,000 to 10,000 DWT were given freight rates between high 10 pmt and low 20 pmt by charterers. A 13,200 DWT vessel open in South China was rated at mid $5,000 for 2-3 legs; however, the owner preferred a single trip. Additionally, a small bagged rice cargo from Thailand to Bitung (3,200 DWT) was advised at 32 pmt by charterers but failed to attract suitable vessels due to owners’ lack of interest. Most owners preferred northbound routes, anticipating better trading opportunities for their subsequent plans.
HANDYSIZE
In the handy segment, brokers reported a slow increase in tonnage across the Mediterranean and Black Sea, with supply outpacing the minimal demand and resulting in easing rates. The Continent appeared better balanced with fresh demand trickling in. In the South Atlantic, activity continued to decline, with limited inquiries for May. The US Gulf and US East Coast also saw reduced activity as the week progressed. The Parity (37,152 DWT, 2012) was rumored to be placed on subjects for delivery via Canakkale through the Black Sea to Barcelona at $8,000 to a grain house. Despite muted visible activity, positivity remained in Southeast Asia and Australia, with a steady flow of fresh inquiries. In North China-Japan, sources noted a shift in sentiment due to reduced cargo levels, altering the balance of tonnage. A 37,000 DWT vessel open in China was rumored to be fixed for a round trip via New Zealand with logs at $16,000. Another 28,000 DWT vessel was heard to be fixed on subjects for a short trip from Taiwan to Southeast Asia at around $10,000.
SMX/UMX
The Atlantic areas remained stable during the week. In the Mediterranean and Continent, rates hovered around $23,250 with various directions discussed at favorable hire levels. A 58,000 DWT vessel open in the Marmara Sea was rated at $26,800 for a grain trip to India. The US Gulf and ECSA reported slight improvements in cargo availability. A 56,000 DWT vessel was fixed at $27,000 for a trip from Brazil to Southeast Asia with sugar. In Asia, the market showed a positive trend with noticeable hire rate improvements. A 57,000 DWT vessel open in Weda was fixed for a trip from East Kalimantan to China at $19,500. Another 55,000 DWT vessel open in Singapore was rated at $18,000 for a trip from Taboneo to the South China range. The China/Feast market reported stability in both cargo availability and hire rates, with charterers rating a 57,000 DWT vessel at $13,500 for delivery CJK for a trip to Southeast Asia. A 60,000 DWT vessel open in Bohai Bay was rated at $16,500 for a trip to ECI. Impressive hire rates were reported for cargoes to East India/Chittagong, with a 58,000 DWT vessel rated at $25,000 from Thailand to Chittagong with clinker. Another 56,000 DWT vessel open in Campha was fixed at $16,000 for clinker to Bangladesh. The India market remained flat and stable on the West Coast and PG range, with a 57,000 DWT vessel rated at $18,500 for a trip via PG to Bangladesh. On the East Coast, a 57,000 DWT vessel was rated at $17,500 for a trip from East Coast India to China with iron ore.
From Ascent Bulk.
