Market Information
1.Small Handy
The commencement of 2025 has been characterized by a subdued market performance, primarily due to increasing vessel availability coupled with limited cargo activity, resulting in continued market weakness. Market reports suggest ongoing pressure on freight rates, with rumors indicating a 14,000 DWT vessel being offered at USD 3,000 for a voyage from northern China to Vietnam. A slightly higher rate was reported for steel shipments from Indonesia to northern destinations. Additionally, some sources mentioned bagged rice parcels being traded at rates ranging from the mid to high 20s per metric ton for short-haul regional trips.
2.Handysize
The Handysize market has faced notable challenges this week, with limited data available. Activity in the Mediterranean remained subdued, continuing its decline from prior levels, while the South Atlantic and US Gulf regions also exhibited limited activity with no significant changes anticipated. A market report indicated a 34,000 DWT vessel open in Egypt failed to secure a Turkish Mediterranean trip for redelivery to the US Gulf, offered at USD 5,600. Meanwhile, the Nordic Nanjing, a 35,713 DWT vessel, was fixed for a voyage from Praia Mole to North Central South Atlantic at USD 13,500, though additional details were not disclosed.
Similarly, the Asian Handysize market reflected a slow pace with negative sentiment, characterized by limited cargo availability and rising vessel counts, particularly in Southeast Asia. Period charters were scarce as operators remained cautious about risk exposure. The Yangtze Grace, a 32,503 DWT vessel, was reportedly under consideration for a 2-3 voyage commitment from Singapore at a rate of USD 8,500. Vessels in the 28,000-32,000 DWT range were reported to have been fixed at USD 5,000-USD 6,000 for short-haul Pacific voyages.
3.Supramax
The Atlantic Supramax market remained largely stable throughout the week. A 57,000 DWT vessel open in North Brazil was reportedly discussed at USD 19,500 for a trip to China carrying petcoke, while a 56,000 DWT vessel open in the Marmara Sea was indicated at USD 13,750 for a voyage via the Black Sea to Bangladesh.
In Asia, the Supramax market experienced significant declines across all major regions, with reduced fresh inquiries. A 56,000 DWT vessel open in Singapore was fixed at USD 6,500 for a voyage from Indonesia to CJK, while a 55,000 DWT vessel open in Campha was rated at USD 5,000 for a shipment from Campha to South Philippines. Additionally, a 58,000 DWT vessel open in Surabaya was reportedly rated at USD 7,500 for a voyage from Indonesia to Korea.
The China/Far East market continued to reflect negative sentiment, with reduced cargo availability and declining hire rates. A 58,000 DWT vessel was reportedly rated at USD 7,500 for delivery in CJK for a trip to the Persian Gulf with breakbulk cargo, while a 56,000 DWT vessel open in Bohai Bay was rated at USD 6,500 for a trip to Bangladesh.
The Indian and Persian Gulf markets showed slight improvement. Reports indicated a 64,000 DWT vessel open in Mumbai was rated at USD 13,000 plus USD 100,000 ballast bonus for a voyage from RBCT to East Coast India. A 57,000 DWT vessel open in Fujairah was fixed for a limestone shipment from the Persian Gulf to West Coast India at USD 9,750, while in East Coast India, a 58,000 DWT vessel was reportedly fixed at USD 4,000 for an ore shipment to China.
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