Small Handy
The small size market exhibited a relatively quiet tone last week with mixed sentiment across intra-Asian routes. A 7,700 mt wood pulp shipment from Indonesia to the Philippines was discussed around the low USD 50s pmt, while 8,500 mt steel pipes from Phu My to Bataan were aiming at the low USD 20s pmt range. A 15,000 mt bulk maize cargo from Yangon to Songkhla was also heard with charterers maintaining similar freight ideas to prevailing market levels.
On the India–Southeast Asia route, activity remained relatively active as 7,000 mt scrap from Jurong to Chittagong was discussed around the low USD 40s pmt. In addition, 12,000 mt corn from Vizag to Iloilo was reported around the high USD 30s pmt range. For Southeast Asia–China trades, 9,500 mt clinker ex-Vietnam to Kuching was fixed at high teens pmt, while 13,500 mt MOP ex-North Vietnam to North China was concluded around mid teens pmt. In the period market, an 18,500 DWT vessel was reportedly fixed at mid USD 8,000/day for a 6-month period trading India–Far East. Overall, the small-size market remained cautious but with expectations of potential improvement in the coming week.
Handysize
The Handysize market recorded another uneven session, as weaker conditions in the Atlantic were partly offset by gradual improvements in the Pacific. The BHSI edged up by 3 points to 851, while the 7TC average increased slightly by USD 56 to USD 15,311/day. Overall sentiment remained relatively balanced, with muted activity in the Atlantic contrasting against firmer trading indications in Asia.
In the Continent and Mediterranean, the market saw little movement, with rates slipping marginally amid subdued demand and limited fresh enquiries. The South Atlantic and US Gulf remained particularly quiet, with softening sentiment continuing as fresh cargo interest stayed limited. Meanwhile, Asia showed relatively stronger fundamentals supported by steady cargo flow and balanced tonnage availability. Market participants noted that both owners and charterers have gradually adjusted their rate expectations upward, helping to maintain a constructive Pacific outlook.
Period activity remained limited during the week, though the improving sentiment in Asia continued to lend support to the broader market. A 37,000 DWT vessel was reportedly fixed for a trip from CJK to ECI with redelivery at Penang at around USD 14,500/day.
Supramax
The Supramax/Ultramax market maintained positive momentum across both basins, although improvements remained uneven between regions.
In the Atlantic, the market stayed relatively flat due to limited fresh cargo from South America and West Africa. An Ultramax open Houston was discussed around USD 24,000/day for a grain trip to West Africa, while a 61,000 DWT vessel open Baltimore was reportedly fixed at USD 26,000/day for a trip to Finland. In addition, a nice Supramax open Dakar was heard fixed with ore to South China at around USD 17,500/day for prompt delivery.
In the Pacific, sentiment improved further, particularly in the NOPAC region where tight tonnage continued to support rates around the USD 19,000/day level on Ultramax units. Backhaul steel cargoes from China to the Mediterranean and West Africa also remained firm, with discussions heard in the low USD 20s/day range for Supramax vessels carrying general cargo. Southern region, clinker and Australian cargoes continued to provide healthy support. A 62,000 DWT vessel open Morowali was reportedly seeing levels around USD 20,000/day for a trip via Australia to Japan, while a 56,000 DWT vessel was fixed at USD 23,000/day for a clinker shipment from Cam Pha to Chittagong. For Indo/China–Southeast Asia trades, the market remained positive, with a 56,000 DWT vessel open Hong Kong fixed around USD 14,500/day to CJK, while a 63,000 DWT vessel open Gresik was holding near USD 19,500/day.
In the Indian Ocean, a 53,000 DWT vessel was heard fixed around USD 15,500/day for a WCI–AG trip, while strong South African demand continued to support Ultramax fixtures around USD 20,500/day plus ballast bonus of USD 200,000.
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