- Small Handy
The Small Handy market this week remained largely unchanged compared to last, with rates continuing under pressure in the Southeast Asia – China region. Fertilizers were still the dominant cargo type. A 12,000 mt urea parcel from Butterworth to Koh Sichang was fixed at a low $10 pmt. Other fertilizer cargoes from Zhenjiang to Southeast Asia were being offered around the low-to-mid $20s pmt, though owners considered these levels too low. Meanwhile, urea from Bontang to Koh Sichang saw owners offering rates in the high $20s pmt. Other common cargoes such as gypsum, coal, and steel scrap along Southeast Asia routes were reported at mid $10s pmt levels. In the Indian Ocean region, the market remained relatively quiet but stable. Scrap cargoes from Singapore to India continued to be fixed in the high $20s pmt range. However, seasonal monsoon weather has started affecting loading schedules, particularly on the East Coast of India, which may influence upcoming activity and rate dynamics in the coming weeks.
- Handysize
The Handysize market showed positive momentum across several regions, with particular strength noted in the Atlantic basin. The Continent and Mediterranean markets remained relatively quiet, with little deviation in rate levels. However, both the South Atlantic and U.S. Gulf regions recorded steady demand growth, supported by tightening tonnage lists and emerging fresh cargoes. In the Americas, MV Hamburg Way (39,376 DWT, built 2016), open Lake Charles on 27 June, was reportedly fixed by Lauritzen for a trip to the UK-Continent via Mobile carrying pellets at a strong rate of $20,000 to $22,000. Meanwhile, MV Arrabbiata (40,358 DWT, built 2025), open Mississippi River early July, was heard fixed by Clipper for a voyage from Houston to North Central South America with wheat at $18,500. In Asia, sentiment remained firm with healthy volumes and active spot engagement. MV Andrea Enterprise (34,552 DWT, built 2017), open in Surabaya, was said to be fixed for an Australia round voyage at $12,000, although further details were not released. Meanwhile, MV Karla Bulker (40,000 DWT, built 2025), just delivered from yard at Hachinohe, was placed on subjects by Lynux for two laden legs at a rate of $13,500.
- Supramax
The Supramax segment experienced a mild uptick this week, primarily supported by stronger activity across Asia. While the Atlantic market remained generally subdued, the Pacific region saw slightly firmer sentiment, with charterers actively seeking coverage for upcoming stems. Conversely, the US Gulf remained under pressure amid limited new inquiries and a growing tonnage list, keeping rates under downward strain. Activity between the Continent and Mediterranean appears to be picking up, although concrete fixture details remain sparse. In the Atlantic, MV Eagle (58,018 DWT, 2010), open in Houston, was reportedly fixed for a wheat cargo bound for Nigeria at a rate of $20,000. Meanwhile, MV Dubai Knight (55,418 DWT, 2007), open in Trincomalee, secured a trip via South Africa to China at around $9,000. Across the Pacific, momentum was steadier. MV Jahan I (61,221 DWT, 2018) was heard to have been fixed from Chittagong via Indonesia, redelivery West Coast India, at $10,200. Market estimates also suggested Supramax tonnage passing Singapore was being rated between $10,000 and $12,000 for trips via Indonesia to the Mediterranean or Continent.
Best regards,
