1. Small Handy:
The market has regained activity following the extended holiday, with demand strengthening across Southeast Asia as a considerable amount of intra-regional business is being transacted. Rates are holding strong, ranging from the high $5,000s to mid $6,500s for smaller tonnage. However, several owners are pushing for $8,000 levels, particularly for spot vessels. It is rumored that a 10,000 dwt vessel was fixed at the low $6,000 level for an agricultural cargo from Thailand to Japan. With market sentiment remaining bullish, many operators are seeking short-period opportunities, especially with tween-deck vessels.
2. Handysize:
In the Handysize segment, the Continent and Mediterranean markets remain supported by prompt cargoes and emerging new demand, resulting in a slight improvement in rates compared to previous levels. In the US Gulf and South Atlantic, market conditions showed minimal change, with rates holding steady around prior levels. Reports indicate that the Jasmund 39,234 dwt, open at Fairless Hills, secured a front-haul at $20,000, though further details remain undisclosed.
In the Pacific, tonnage supply in Asia is gradually increasing, but robust cargo volumes are helping sustain favorable rates. Rumors suggest that the Forest Trader 33,513 dwt, open at Taichung, failed a wood pellet trip from Vietnam to Japan at $12,250. Meanwhile, the Darya Koshi 39,760 dwt, with delivery in Japan, was fixed for a NOPAC trip to Chittagong at $16,000.
3. Supramax:
The Atlantic market remained relatively quiet throughout the week. Reports suggest that a 64,000 dwt vessel, open in Brazil, was fixed for a grain trip to the Mediterranean at $18,000. It’s also indicated that the MV Kuaibanghai 18, open in Turkey, was fixed for a trip via the Black Sea to Bangladesh at $20,000.
In Asia, the market held steady with fewer fresh inquiries. A 56,000 dwt vessel, open in South China, was fixed at $14,500 for a trip via Indonesia to Xiamen. Additionally, a 63,000 dwt vessel, open in Singapore, was fixed at $17,500 for a coal trip to South China, while a 56,000 dwt vessel, open in Fangcheng, secured $18,000 for a clinker trip to Bangladesh.
The China/Far East market remained stable in terms of both cargo availability and hire rates. It was heard that charterers fixed a 62,000 dwt vessel at $19,000, with delivery at CJK for a trip to the Persian Gulf with general cargo. Meanwhile, a 57,000 dwt vessel, open at Xinggang, was fixed at $13,500 for a trip to Weda Bay.
In the Indian and Persian Gulf markets, conditions remain weak with fewer cargoes being traded. Reports indicate that a 56,000 dwt vessel, open in Dammam, was fixed at $15,500 for a trip to Bangladesh, while a 58,000 dwt vessel was fixed at $14,500 for a limestone trip from the Persian Gulf to the West Coast of India. In East Coast India, a 58,000 dwt vessel was fixed at $10,500 for an iron ore trip to China.
BY ASCENT BULK
