Small Handy
The mini-size dry bulk market maintained a generally firm tone on regional Asian trades, supported by steady demand on intra-ASEAN and North Asian routes. Woodpulp and steel movements continued to set the pace, with Indonesia–Philippines and Vietnam–China/Japan lanes indicating freight ideas in the low- to mid-30s USD per ton for 7,000–8,000 ton parcels. Steel coil shipments from Vietnam to Malaysia were heard in the low- to mid-20s USD per ton range, while short-haul China–Vietnam steel trades remained comparatively soft, with small parcels discussed in the mid-single-digit USD per ton area. Fertilizer shipments from Vietnam to North Asia held firmer, as 6,000–7,000 ton urea parcels were fixed around the low-20s USD per ton, reflecting tighter prompt tonnage availability and stable demand.
Handysize
The Handysize market experienced a generally quiet trading week, with limited fresh information and no significant regional shifts. In the Continent and Mediterranean, a lack of new inquiries led to subdued activity, with freight rates largely unchanged. The South Atlantic showed a wide bid-offer spread, with some owners beginning to reassess expectations upward. The US Gulf remained quiet due to a shortage of fresh inquiries, contributing to a marginally weaker overall tone. Across Asia, market conditions were largely unchanged, although a slightly longer tonnage list, particularly on Southeast Asia–North Asia routes, exerted mild downward pressure on sentiment. Cargo availability showed little improvement, and rates remained close to last-done levels. On period business, MV POAVOSA WISDOM II (28,232 DWT), open Penang 24–30 January, was reported fixed for 4–6 months at USD 8,800 per day for the first 35 days and USD 9,500 per day thereafter, though details remain unconfirmed. Some charterers rated small handy vessels at APS USD 6,000–7,000 for a single shipment from Southeast Asia to northbound destinations.
Supramax
Activity in the Supramax sector remained limited, with slow progress observed across both basins. The Asian market saw little change overall, although some participants suggested that a potential bottom may have been reached as prompt tonnage availability tightened slightly. The vessel Broad Yuan (56,770 DWT, built 2011) was heard fixed at USD 8,250 per day, delivering Jintang for a trip to West Africa, with no further details disclosed. In addition, a couple of fixtures were reported from the East Coast of India, including a 63,000 DWT vessel fixed at USD 8,000 per day for a voyage to China and a 53,000 DWT vessel fixed at USD 6,500 per day for a trip via the East Coast of India to China and the Southeast Asia range.
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