Small Handy
The small-sized vessel segment (7–14K DWT) remained generally firm over the past week, with selective strength emerging on South Asia routes. Scrap cargoes into Chittagong were estimated in the high USD 20s per metric ton, supported by steady import demand and relatively tight prompt tonnage availability. Bagged sugar shipments ex-Thailand achieved levels in the low USD 30s PMT, reflecting sustained regional demand and improving employment opportunities for smaller units. In contrast, fertilizer and urea movements within Southeast Asia and toward the Indian subcontinent remained more competitive, with freight ideas largely ranging from the mid-teens to low USD 20s PMT. Coastal India petcoke movements held around the mid-USD 20s PMT, providing stable utilization for regional tonnage. Overall sentiment remained balanced to slightly firm, particularly for Bangladesh-bound cargoes, while intra-Asian fertilizer trades continued at steady but competitive levels.
Handysize
The Handysize market demonstrated a strong positive trend across both basins, with freight levels improving along multiple trade routes. In the Continent and Mediterranean, trading activity remained stable and largely positional, with fixing decisions heavily influenced by vessel positioning. The South Atlantic and U.S. Gulf maintained robust momentum, driven by fresh cargo demand and a tightening list of available tonnage. Charterers were observed raising bids, while owners showed increasing reluctance to commit early, anticipating further upside. Notable fixtures included the Ken Forest (40,099 DWT) fixed by Norden basis delivery Savannah prompt for a pellet trip with redelivery Continent at USD 28,000 per day. Panocean reportedly fixed MV Pintail (38,227 DWT) delivery Zhoushan prompt for a Continent trip at USD 13,000 per day. In Asia, despite limited reported fixtures, the market continued its upward trajectory as rising bids and offers signaled improved confidence. The Ocean Draco (38,169 DWT), open CJK from early March, was reportedly under consideration for a two-leg employment at high USD 13,000s, although details remain unconfirmed.
Supramax
The Supramax market recorded notably positive momentum during the week, with freight rates rising sharply within a short period. The rapid upswing prompted shipowners to adopt a more cautious stance when offering tonnage, anticipating continued strength. Market participants largely attributed the upward movement to strong chartering demand immediately following the extended Lunar New Year holiday period, which significantly reduced prompt vessel availability and reinforced upward pressure on rates. Reported fixtures included MV HSL Kensington (64,400 DWT, built 2023), open Hong Kong around 1 March, fixed at USD 22,000 per day for a clinker shipment to Bangladesh. MV Chang Hang Run Hai (58,000 DWT, built 2012), open Singapore 9 March, was fixed at USD 18,500 per day for a voyage from Indonesia to Cambodia. MV Ocean Hope (64,000 DWT, built 2016), open Port Klang/Singapore end-February, secured a one time charter trip from Indonesia to West Coast India at USD 16,750 per day delivery Singapore. MV Yasa Neptune (64,000 DWT, built 2023), open Cigading early March, was heard fixed on subjects at USD 19,300 per day DOP for an Indonesia to West Coast India trip. MV PVT Topaz (57,000 DWT, built 2009), open Krishnapatnam late February, was fixed at USD 11,000 per day DOP for a similar employment. Meanwhile, MV AE Neptune (53,000 DWT, built 2007), open Hong Kong late February, was reportedly fixed in the USD 16,000s daily for a clinker shipment to Bangladesh, with further details undisclosed.
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