- Small Handy
The market in China and Southeast Asia remained active this week, particularly with steady movements in the fertilizer segment. A 15,000 MT urea cargo from Brunei to the Philippines was reportedly being bid in the mid to high $10s per metric ton, depending on the discharge port. A 6,000 DWT vessel was heard asking around low $30s pmt for a jumbo bag fertilizer shipment from Zhenjiang to Surabaya. Additionally, a 12,000 DWT was fixed at high $17s pmt for a gypsum run from Thailand to Brunei. There were also inquiries on short period time charters. A 6,500 DWT was reportedly seeking high $2,000s per day, while a 17,000 DWT unit was asking low $7,000s—indicating some resistance in rate negotiation. Furthermore, a noticeable gap persists between owners’ and charterers’ freight expectations for silica sand and steel cargoes, which led to limited fixture activity for those commodities. In the Indian market, activity was relatively subdued. A 13,000 DWT vessel was offered at low $4,000s for a quartz cargo from East Coast India to Southeast Asia, while owners were still holding firm at low $5,000s. Similarly, a 16,000 DWT ship was aiming for mid $7,000s for a trip from CJK to East Coast India—a rate that appears rather optimistic in the current market environment.2. Handysize
The Handysize market this week displayed mixed dynamics across key regions. In the Continent and Mediterranean, activity remained limited and rates were mostly flat, with little deviation from last-done levels. The South Atlantic market continued to show signs of calmness and balance, maintaining stability without notable momentum. In contrast, the US Gulf appeared to soften slightly, with some indications of declining market strength. Reported fixtures included Manta Uraz (34,370 DWT), open in East Coast Mexico, which was placed on subjects for a voyage with delivery from Southwest Pass to EC Mexico carrying grain at a rate in the mid $12,000s by Pacific Basin—though no further updates were disclosed. Another fixture involved Nordloire (37,212 DWT, built 2013), open in New Orleans on July 17, which reportedly failed on a grain trip from Southwest Pass to West Coast Central America at $14,500. In Asia, market conditions remained generally steady, supported by a balanced cargo-to-tonnage ratio, which helped keep rates stable. Market sources reported a 30,000 DWT vessel fixed for delivery in Jinzhou and redelivery in Taiwan with general cargo at around $9,000. Additionally, 28,000–32,000 DWT vessels were reportedly fixed at mid $7,000s to $8,000s for trips within the Pacific basin.
- Supramax
The Supramax segment enjoyed a positive week overall, buoyed by steady demand across both the Atlantic and Pacific basins. In the Atlantic, market sentiment remained firm, with limited new tonnage reported in both the North and South Atlantic, and rates showing stability or marginal improvements. Activity in the U.S. Gulf continued to progress, albeit with some signs of slowing. In the Continent and Mediterranean areas, consistent demand supported freight rates at relatively healthy levels. Meanwhile, in Asia, the market showed encouraging signs, especially in the northern regions where steady inquiries drove rates upward. South East Asia also experienced modest improvement as interest in trips to China and Bangladesh kept tonnage engaged. Notable fixtures included the Mv MH Oslo (63,050 DWT, 2023), reportedly fixed from El Dekheila for a clinker run to West Africa at around $15,000. In the Pacific, Mv CP Chongqing (63,581 DWT, 2016) was said to be fixed from Cam Pha to Bangladesh, also with clinker, at a strong rate of $20,500. However, market sources speculated the rate may reflect earlier market levels, with no confirmation provided. Additionally, Mv DK IONE (59,000 DWT, 2010) was fixed at $12,800 daily, basis delivery Singapore for a trip via Indonesia to China. On the period side, Mv Great Prosperity (64,726 DWT, 2024) was reportedly secured for 3 to 5 months at a rate of $15,000.
Best regards,
