1.Small Handy
The mini tonnage segment experienced an active week with numerous transactions recorded. China’s steel exports remain strong, creating a favorable market for owners. A 10,000 dwt tween deck vessel was reported to have been offered at approximately mid-USD 5,500 for a trip from North China to Vietnam, though further details were not disclosed. The increasing circulation of cargoes in this region is generating positive momentum. A 9,000 dwt vessel was reportedly fixed at a high-mid USD 4,000 level for a trip from Vietnam to Korea. Additionally, rumors suggest that a 13,000 dwt vessel was rated at mid-USD 5,500 for a similar voyage. In contrast, little to no activity was recorded in the Indian Ocean for mini-sized tonnage. The persistent scarcity of available cargo remains a challenge, particularly against the substantial number of available vessels.
2.Handysize
The Handysize market was quite active last week, with freight rates from various loading regions showing noticeable increases. The European-Mediterranean region is trending upward, driven by positive factors, while in the South Atlantic, demand remains stable, supporting a steady number of available vessels and rising rates. The US Gulf market showed little movement, leading to a mostly unchanged trading day. MV Tsukuyomi Eternity (37,116 dwt, 2021) was reportedly fixed at USD 16,500, delivering from Avonmouth to Iskenderun with a scrap cargo, though further details were unavailable. MV Tomini Shamal (38,785 dwt, 2016) was rumored to be placed on subjects for delivery via Otranto, with a trip through the Baltic and Continent to redelivery in the US Gulf at USD 7,500. In Asia, the market appears strong due to vessel shortages in the North Pacific and weather-related disruptions in South East China, which have caused delays. As a result, some charterers have been securing vessels quickly at higher rates. MV Maria 1921 (35,013 dwt, 2011), which opened in Onsan on February 18, was reported fixed but later failed on subjects for a voyage from Onsan to West Coast India at USD 12,900. MV Kharis Trinity (28,325 dwt, 2010), opening in Saganoseki on February 25, was fixed for a trip to South China at USD 7,000, though additional information was not disclosed
3.Supramax
The Supramax segment experienced a positive day, particularly in Asia, as strong demand drove rates upward. The Atlantic market remained stable, though some market participants speculated that the US Gulf may have peaked due to a decline in inquiries. MV Alexia (63,731 dwt, 2015) was reported fixed at USD 14,000, delivering from the US Gulf to Angola with Baltnav. MV Elbabe (60,438 dwt, 2015) was fixed at USD 17,500, delivering from Veracruz to the Continent for a pellet run. MV Amoy Fortune (56,874 dwt, 2011), open in Jinzhou on February 28/March 1, initially failed at USD 13,000, but was later heard to have been fixed for a backhaul at mid-USD 14,000. MV Chang Hang Hui Hai (57,065 dwt, 2010) was fixed for a prompt trip via Indonesia, delivering to China from Singapore, at USD 9,300.
BEST REGARDS
