Small Handy
The small-size dry bulk market showed mixed performance last week, with freight levels varying by trade and cargo type. Cement shipments from North Vietnam to regional Asian destinations were concluded in the mid to high teens USD per ton, while MOP on the same route traded softer in the low teens and clinker was fixed around mid-teens levels. Market sources indicated that a 7,700-ton parcel of wood-based products from Thailand to the Philippines was fixed in the high 30s USD per ton, reflecting healthy demand on this lane. In the intra-Asian market, a 6,600-ton fertilizer cargo was reportedly fixed at around low USD 20 per ton. Additionally, a 15,000-ton slag shipment from Lanbei to Batangas was heard concluded at mid-teens levels. On the short-term charter side, a 10,000 DWT vessel was rated at USD 4,000 for a one-trip TCT carrying sugar from the intra-Asian region to the Far East, although owners were said to be seeking higher levels. Woodpulp shipments from Central Vietnam to North China were also assessed in the mid-teens USD per ton range.
Handysize
The Handysize market maintained a generally balanced tone, with firmer sentiment emerging in certain regions while others remained stable. The BHSI edged up to 598 points, and the 7TC average improved by USD 62 to close at USD 10,760 per day. The U.S. Gulf and South Atlantic regions displayed a more optimistic outlook, supported by increased cargo interest and a tightening supply of open tonnage. In the Continent–Mediterranean, fresh cargo inquiries were reported, although freight levels largely held steady. Asian markets remained quiet, with limited activity and broadly unchanged sentiment. In the Singapore–Far East trade, 28,000 DWT vessels are currently being quoted at around USD 6,000 on an APS basis.
Supramax
The Atlantic Supramax/Ultramax market turned firmer across the board, as fresh cargo from the Continent and South America pushed rates into positive territory. Ultramax vessels were heard discussed around USD 16,500 per day for scrap trips to the Mediterranean, while fronthaul demand improved materially, with ideas firming toward USD 15,000 per day for grain voyages on 57,000 DWT tonnage. In contrast, the Pacific market remained under pressure, particularly in Southeast Asia, due to reduced Indonesian coal inquiries, with most cargoes continuing to move within Southeast Asia and to India rather than China. A 56,000 DWT vessel open in Singapore was reportedly fixed at USD 9,000 per day for a trip to East India, while a 61,000 DWT vessel open in Sulawesi Bay achieved USD 8,750 per day for a voyage back to the CJK range. The NoPac market saw a short-term firming, supporting Ultramax rates around USD 13,000 per day when passing Busan. Backhaul steel trades remained flat, with fixtures recorded at around USD 7,500 per day for trips to West Africa and approximately USD 8,000 per day for Mediterranean–Continent voyages on Supramax tonnage. In the Indian Ocean, activity continued to be supported by cargoes from the Persian Gulf and South Africa, with a 56,000 DWT Supramax fixed at USD 12,000 per day for a limestone trip from the PG to West India, while an Ultramax was rated at around USD 16,000 per day plus a USD 160,000 ballast bonus for a voyage via Port Elizabeth to Pakistan or East India.
Best regards,
