Owners are still pushing for higher freight levels, but it looks like the market has started sideward movement.
Mild winter condition has led to shorter ice campaign. According to Rufko shipbrokers, yesterday Rostov port eased ice requirements for vessels navigating there. De facto, Azov and Rostov ports are free of ice now, but ice still remains in the Taganrog Bay.
Rufko expect that by the end of February – beginning of March rates will start falling due to supply of tonnage without ice class.
This week, freight rates to the Sea of Marmara from Rostov made $32-33 per ton, and from Yeisk $31-32 per ton.
Freight rates to South-East Black Sea ports from Rostov were $30-31 per ton, and from Yeisk $29-30 per ton.
The Caspian Sea market is quite dull. Trade ex northern ports for both steels and agri cargo is not so active, but seasonal lack of tonnage is keeping the market in the same position.
In the middle part of the sea, the activity is a bit more vivid and not only limited by agri and steel cargoes.
Freight rates from Astrakhan to Iran make $40-43 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.