Small Handy
The mini-bulk market maintains a steady tone, supported by stronger regional cargoes. Charterers are holding firm ideas for 7,000 mt of steel Surabaya–Busan at mid-20s pmt and 15,000 mt MOP North Vietnam–Zhejiang/ZJG at low-10s pmt, reflecting tighter nearby tonnage. Meanwhile, a 13,000 DWT vessel fixed a CIS–China sub-TCT at USD 6,000 DOP, indicating weaker returns on longer repositioning trades. Overall, short-haul demand continues to be the main driver of firmness.
Handysize
The Handysize market showed mixed performance, with certain regions stable while others experienced minor improvements. The Continent and Mediterranean markets remained fundamentally solid although limited activity was reported. The South Atlantic and US Gulf saw strong demand and positive sentiment, pushing rates above previous levels. According to market reports, the Bam Despina (32,411 DWT) was said to be on subjects for a trip from Vila Do Conde to Norway at USD 18,500 by Berge, though further details were not disclosed. In Asia, conditions remained balanced with no significant shift in sentiment. A 28,000 DWT vessel was reported fixed for an intra-SEA trip or northbound delivery at around USD 7,500–8,500.
Supramax
The Supramax sector experienced a mixed trading day as the Atlantic market softened—particularly from the US Gulf—while Asia showed a more positive outlook. The East Mediterranean market remained under downward pressure, whereas the West Mediterranean reported reasonable activity. The South Atlantic was relatively flat with limited fixtures. In Asia, a healthy cargo book supported firmer sentiment.
In the Atlantic, the Josco Liuuzhou (64,231 DWT, 2020) was reported fixed from ECSA to Southeast Asia at USD 17,250 plus a USD 725,000 ballast bonus with a grain house. The Nord Nile (63,969 DWT, 2025) was fixed in Immingham at the end of November for a Continent–Far East trip of about 70 days at USD 25,000. The FJ Star (61,225 DWT, 2016) was reported fixed in Ghent on 26/27 November at around USD 30,000 for an ARAG scrap trip to the East Mediterranean.
In the Pacific, a Supramax was reportedly fixed in Indonesia for a trip to China at around USD 16,000 with details undisclosed. The Achi (63,301 DWT, 2012) open Haldia was heard fixed at USD 18,000, delivering via Singapore for Indonesia–China. The Bao Sheng (58,000 DWT) open at General Santos on 2 December was heard fixed at around the USD 17,000s for a TCT via Indonesia to China. In the Indian Ocean, the AE Mercury (57,346 DWT, 2011) was reportedly fixed from Salalah to East Coast India at USD 18,250.
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