Small Handy
The small-tonnage market last week showed steady but mixed sentiment across commodities. Fertilizer demand remained active, with 10,000 mt Zhanjiang–Sangi fixed at high-teens freight level and 6,000 mt urea Malaysia–Thailand at very close to mid-teens level. Steel also saw movement, with 4,900 mt billets from South China to Cambodia done at USD 15.50 pmt. Scrap trading was less aligned, as a 10,000 mt Jurong–Chattogram parcel saw bids around USD 27 pmt against owners’ ideas in the low 30s. On the period side, a 12,000 dwt tonnage was heard to be offered for 2–3 laden legs at a rate in the low USD 5,000s daily, reflecting stable short-term employment levels. Looking ahead, sentiment may stay balanced, with fertilizers and steel expected to provide steady support, while scrap demand could remain rate-sensitive and prevent further firming unless charterers improve ideas.
Handysize
The sector closed the week on a firm note, with the BHSI standing at 804 and the 7TC average rising by $56 to reach $14,475. Activity in the Continent and Mediterranean remained subdued; however, positive sentiment helped push rates slightly higher. The South Atlantic showed renewed strength as fresh demand lifted levels. For instance, the Icarian Spire (37,614 dwt, built 2015) was reportedly fixed for a transatlantic voyage at around $25,000, though further details were not disclosed. By contrast, the U.S. Gulf continued to face headwinds, with vessel supply outpacing demand. In Asia, steady cargo volumes were reported by some sources, helping to keep rates stable despite the growing tonnage list. In the Pacific market, charter rates for vessels of around 28,000 dwt are currently ranging between USD 8,000 and 9,000 per day.
Supramax
The Supramax market maintained positive fundamentals across regions. In the Atlantic, a 63,000 dwt opening in the US Gulf was reportedly fixed at USD 32,500/day for a grain trip to WCCA, while a 64,000 dwt in the Continent was fixed at USD 22,500/day for employment to Med. In Asia, improving sentiment was reflected in firmer fixtures: a 56,000 dwt in Weda was rated at USD 17,500/day for nickel ore to China; another 57,000 dwt in Cam Pha fixed at USD 20,500/day for a trip to Bangladesh; and a 61,000 dwt in Thailand was secured at USD 13,500/day for a run to Cambodia. A 58,000 dwt open at CJK was reportedly fixed at USD 16,000/day for steel to the Persian Gulf, while a 64,000 dwt in North China fixed at USD 17,000/day for a voyage to Africa. On the Indian Ocean/Persian Gulf corridor, a 56,000 dwt in Malé secured USD 16,000/day plus a USD 160,000 ballast bonus for an RBCT–Bin Qasim trip. A 62,000 dwt in Fujairah was fixed at USD 15,500/day for a trip to Bangladesh, while a 58,000 dwt on India’s east coast was rated around USD 10,500/day for ore to China, prompting many owners to ballast toward Singapore in search of higher returns.
Best regards,
