- Small Handy
The Small Handy market in the Southeast Asia–China region remains active, with cement and fertilizer shipments being the most common. A 12,000 mt cement parcel from Hong Gai to the Philippines was reportedly fixed at low USD 10 pmt, while a 10,000 DWT unit on the same route is targeting rates closer to low USD 20 pmt. A smaller 6,000 mt parcel from North Vietnam to Kuching was exchanged at mid USD 10 pmt. For urea shipments from Sipitang to Kohsichang, owners are offering rates in the mid USD 10s, while charterers are aiming for the low USD 10s. Fertilizers from Liangyungang to Lahad Datu and Tawau are commanding slightly higher levels at mid USD 20 pmt. Depending on cargo type and route, some specialized cargoes such as coke or scrap can reach as high as the mid USD 20 pmt range. In the Indian market, freight levels are slightly firmer. Tonnage between 5,000 and 12,000 DWT is being exchanged at rates ranging from high USD 20s to low USD 30 pmt, depending on cargo and routing. Separately, a 16,000 DWT vessel was reported fixed at mid USD 5,000 to low USD 6,000 levels for a trip from Long An to Mumbai. Overall, market sentiment in India appears cautiously optimistic, with expectations for continued improvement in the near future.2. Handysize
The BHSI closed the week at 624, while the 7TC average increased by $45 to $11,224. Market activity across the Continent and Mediterranean remained steady, with freight rates holding firm. In the South Atlantic, there was a moderate uptick in activity, driven by stronger charterer interest and a tightening tonnage list. The US Gulf also showed signs of improvement, as growing cargo availability combined with limited prompt tonnage helped support market stability. In Asia, the Far East market witnessed a noticeable increase in activity, with the entire Pacific region showing firmer sentiment. This upward momentum was largely fueled by rising bunker prices and ongoing uncertainties surrounding Persian Gulf cargoes. As end-June Australian cargoes begin to move, multiple fixtures have been reported throughout the week. Additionally, a wave of WCI–PG steel cargoes and increased demand in Southeast Asia have led to a sense of urgency, contributing to a modest market rush. In the Pacific region, a 24,000 DWT vessel was fixed at around USD 6,000, and a 38,000 DWT vessel was fixed at around USD 9,500-10,000.
- Supramax
The Supramax market showed stable to firm sentiment across major regions this week. In the Atlantic, activity remained positive with steady grain and clinker flows. A 63,000 DWT vessel open in Santos was reportedly fixed at $16,500 for a grains voyage to India. Additionally, a 56,000 DWT unit in the Marmara Sea was rated at $12,750 for a clinker run via the Black Sea to West Africa. In the Indian Ocean and Persian Gulf, the market continued its gradual recovery. A 64,000 DWT vessel open on the West Coast of India was rated at $15,000 plus a $150,000 ballast bonus for a trip via RBCT to the East Coast of India. Meanwhile, a 62,000 DWT ship open in Fujairah was fixed at $13,500 for a cargo of aggregate to Bangladesh. In East Coast India, a 58,000 DWT tonnage was rated at just $5,500 for a trip to China with ore, although owners are reportedly opting to ballast toward Singapore for better positioning. Across Asia, the market displayed upward movement in hire rates. A 56,000 DWT vessel open in Singapore was fixed at $10,500 for a trip via Indonesia to China, while a 55,000 DWT unit in Cam Pha was rated at $8,000 for a trip to the southern Philippines. Another 64,000 DWT ship open in Thailand was reportedly fixed at $12,000 for a voyage to Chittagong. The North Asia market was mixed, with a 58,000 DWT ship delivery CJK rated at $9,000 for a steel cargo to Hong Kong. Meanwhile, a 64,000 DWT vessel open in Bohai Bay was heard fixed at $13,500 for a trip to Bangladesh. Overall, while Asia shows signs of strengthening, some routes remain under pressure due to oversupply.
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