The Azov market is moving sideward. Charterers are appealing to phytosanitary delays with associated extra costs and lowering freight rates to meet their sales budgets.
The gap between actual fixture figures is rising. According to Rufco shipbrokers, one can meet variety of fixture rates now ex Rostov to Marmara from $31 to $35 pmt.
In such circumstances, the number of owners prefer to be involved into coal shipments to avoid phytosanitary idling time.
However, coal charterers are also benefiting from the situation and moving the rates down.
Freight rates to the Sea of Marmara from Rostov make $32-33 per ton.
Freight rates from Rostov to SE Black Sea ports are $30-31 per ton.
In the Caspian region, freight rates for shipments ex Volga river ports are sky rocketing. Plenty of cargo is offered for transportation towards North Iranian ports from Caspian and river ports.
Due to higher rates owners prefer to be loaded at Astrakhan or river ports rather than proceed to Aktau.
The current freight rates from Astrakhan to Iran remain at $38-40 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.