Small Handy
The small handy market in Asia remains similar to last week, with fertilizers continuing to dominate cargo demand and being traded around the mid 20s per metric ton, although owners are seeking higher ideas. Vessels in the 10,000 to 13,000 DWT range are being offered from the mid 3,000s to mid 6,000s for one TCT depending on the cargo. In the India region, scrap remains the regular cargo, with shipments from Jurong to Chittagong traded at the high 20s per ton, while TCT into India is concluded at higher levels, from USD 7,000 and upwards.
Handysize
The Handysize market in the Atlantic continued its upward momentum. Activity in the Continent and Mediterranean remained steady, though reported fixtures were limited. The South Atlantic and US Gulf performed strongly with tight tonnage for late November and consistent demand pushing rates higher. A reported fixture involved a 40,000 DWT vessel fixing a trip from South Brazil to the Continent or Mediterranean at approximately USD 20,000, though details were unconfirmed. In Asia, the market was quieter due to limited Pacific cargo availability, resulting in softer sentiment and slightly weaker rates. A 28,000 DWT vessel open in Southeast Asia was traded around the mid USD 7,000–8,000 range for a northbound trip, while a 32,000 DWT vessel was heard fixed at the mid USD 8,000s for a bagged alumina cargo from Indonesia to China.
Supramax
The Supramax/Ultramax market maintains a firm and positive tone across most regions, supported by healthy demand for scrap, grains and long-haul Far East cargoes, as well as steady coal activity in Indonesia. The North Atlantic remains one of the strongest basins, with the mv Genco Hornest (63,574 DWT, 2014) fixing USD 25,000 from Gijon for a Mediterranean scrap trip, reflecting strong scrap demand and limited prompt tonnage in the UK/Cont region. The Mediterranean shows mixed sentiment, with clinker and cement cargoes holding steady levels, though still weaker compared with North Atlantic scrap runs. Activity in South Africa remains firm, demonstrated by mv Tiger Hebei (63,483 DWT, 2015) fixing USD 20,000 plus USD 200,000 bb and mv Nikos (56,928 DWT, 2011) fixing USD 17,500 plus USD 175,000 bb for long-haul Far East trips. The MEG/Gulf region remains balanced, with mv Urairat Naree (66,337 DWT, 2021) fixing USD 20,000 from AG to Chittagong, reflecting stable demand and no clear oversupply pressure. In Southeast Asia, the market is stable to slightly firmer due to Indonesian coal flows, with mv Milos (63,631 DWT, 2024) fixing USD 18,000 Singapore–Thailand, mv Esperita (60,481 DWT, 2016) fixing USD 16,000 Map Ta Phut–China, and mv Jay (57,809 DWT, 2010) fixing USD 14,500 HK–Philippines. Modern units continue to command a mild premium.
Best regards,
