Icebreaker navigation for Azov / Rostov / Taganrog ports has been already cancelled, however ice dues would stay in force within D/A costs until 16/03/2019.
According to Rufco shipbrokers, it looks like the market has finally reached the bottom. The end of the winter navigation is unlikely to have any influence on the market rates as presently the Black Sea market is even stronger than the market conditions in the Sea of Azov. Also, a number of cargoes is proposed for the shipment ex Azov Sea is slowly increasing day by day.
Freight rates to the Sea of Marmara from Rostov make $17-18 per ton.
Freight rates from Rostov to SE Black Sea ports are $15-16 per ton.
In the Caspian, market players report a slight decrease in freight levels. There is some trade activity there, which is soon going to be over with Navruz and, most probably, freight is going to drop during the holidays lull period.
The current freight rates from Astrakhan to Iran make $31-33 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.