SMALL – The small tonnage market in the Pacific exhibited stability last week, marked by limited activities as shipowners had already secured their tonnage for long-term business commitments during the New Year holiday. In the China/Far East range of 10,000-13,000 dwt vessels open in North China, rates were quoted at approximately $4,500-$5,500 for trips from China to Southeast Asia with general cargo intentions. Brokers noted that hire rates in Southeast Asia were comparable to the China/Far East range, with 10,000-13,000 dwt vessels in Southeast Asia priced at around $4,500-$5,500, contingent on speed and consumption for trips within the Pacific. The Indian market remained pessimistic due to a lack of cargo opportunities, and prospects for improvement in the near future were uncertain.
HANDYSIZE – In the Mediterranean region, cargo flow and hire levels remained relatively stable, closing at around $11,200. The ECSA and USG regions experienced a robust market with increased orders in all directions. A 32,000 dwt vessel was fixed at $23,200 for a trip carrying grain from Brazil to West Africa. The Pacific region observed a slight market decrease during the week, with a 28,000 dwt vessel priced at approximately $6,700 for trips within the Southeast Asia range. Meanwhile, there were positive developments in the Australian market, where a 32,000 dwt vessel was fixed at $9,200 Dop Singapore, redelivering in the China range. China and Far East areas reported lower activity levels with new cargo openings. A 36,000 dwt vessel was targeting $9,000 for a trip from the CJK range to SEA, while charters were held at $8,500. A 28,000 dwt vessel open in CJK was rated at $7,000 for a trip from Japan to Taiwan. The West Coast India and Persian Gulf regions saw an increase in hire rates due to limited open tonnage, partly influenced by issues in the Suez Canal. A 38,000 dwt vessel was fixed at $14,000 for a trip to ECSA, with some charters expecting $8,000-$9,000 for coastal trips depending on cargo capacity.
SUPRAMAX – The supramax segment experienced limited fresh activity following the widespread New Year holiday. Downward pressure persisted, especially in the Atlantic, with little fixing reported from the US Gulf. Limited fresh enquiries were seen from the South Atlantic, and there was a perceived abundance of fresh tonnage. In Asia, brokers noted a considerable amount of prompt tonnage open in the north. Despite this, demand persisted in the Indian Ocean, and some reported reasonable rates. Notably, the Guo Tai Ping An (56,643 2011) open in Mumbai from 1-5 January was fixed for a trip from West Coast India to China, carrying iron ore at $20,000. Another vessel, a 53,000 dwt, was fixed basis delivery in Xiamen from 4-5 January for a trip via Indonesia, redelivering in South China at $8,500, although further details were not disclosed.
By Ascent Bulk
