Small Handy
The mini dry bulk market remained generally firm across Asia, supported by steady demand from both construction and industrial cargoes. Gypsum from Kanda to Iligan achieved a healthy USD high 20s pmt, while palm oil from Sandakan to South Korea held in the mid-USD 20s, reflecting solid regional demand. Coal movements remained active, with Dongjiakou–Bahodopi freight targeted around USD 20 pmt, and bentonite from Kakinada to Gresik fixed at USD 21 pmt. Meanwhile, agricultural cargoes were more competitive, with cassava chips from Kampot to Tieshan indicated in the low teens, highlighting a mixed freight environment depending on cargo type and trade lane.
Handysize
Handysize stayed subdued, the timecharter average easing to $16,620 and the index off six points, with limited activity reported and both basins soft.
The Continent and Mediterranean were flat with little visible business. In the South Atlantic and the US Gulf bids and offers kept easing as owners and charterers adjusted their expectations lower, and Asian sentiment was on the softer side too. A trip out of Cape Town via South Africa to the Continent fixed around $13,000, with little else concluded.
Market researchers had asked whether the South Atlantic tonnage overhang would keep the front on the back foot or whether Continent scrap and steady US Gulf grain would floor it; the overhang won, both basins easing with no floor yet in sight. In Asia, dwt 28,000 were exchanged at around $10,000 for 1 tct to north bound and dwt 32,000 open North China were exchanged at around $15,000 for 1 tct to India.
Supramax
The Supramax/Ultramax market in Asia remained generally steady, with rates holding at similar levels across most trading areas. Indonesian cargoes continued to provide the main support, while longer-haul trips achieved stronger returns than regional voyages.From Indonesia, mv Sheng Tai (56,952 dwt 2008) heard to be fixed at $15,000 daily for a trip to China, while mv Vita Olympic (61,269 dwt 2016) secured at $18,500 daily from Panjang to China, reflecting firmer demand for prompt Ultramax tonnage.In North Asia, a 56,000 dwt vessel open Zhoushan heard to be fixed at $13,000 daily for a voyage via South China to Singapore, indicating a more stable regional market.Further south, mv Tai Summit (60,200 dwt 2016) heard to be fixed at $14,000 daily for a steel cargo to the U.S. Gulf, while mv Patron ( 60,000 dwt) achieved the highest reported rate of $ 21,750 daily for a trip to the South Pacific.Overall, the market remained stable, with regional trips generally fixing in the low-to-mid teens, while longer-haul voyages continued to command higher rates.
Best regards,
