The Azov Sea market is keeping a sideward trend. Cargoes are quite rare, but so do open / spot vessel positions.
According to Rufco shipbrokers, owners are trying to be bullish complaining that they are presently working lower than the level of running costs.
Dollar rally continues and together with the upcoming elections in Turkey makes the national currency there quite volatile.
Despite this, the Turkish State Grain Board bought yesterday on tender 140k feed maize with delivery in the first half of June by 10k parcels.
Freight rates to the Sea of Marmara from Rostov make $15-16 per ton.
Freight rates from Rostov to SE Black Sea ports are $13-14 per ton.
The Caspian Sea market also remains dull and this influences the present freight levels.
Russian flagged vessels (even Amur type) prefer to work from river ports where freight rates are a tick brighter than ex Astrakhan.
Shipments ex Astrakhan are presently mainly effected by Iranian tonnage.
Current freight rates from Astrakhan to Iran make $27-30 per ton.
Please note that the rates cited in this article are average market rates. We ask our readers to pay attention that this information is not a commercial offer and cannot be an example for comparison in commercial disputes and arbitration proceedings.