The number of cargoes quoted in the Azov market is increasing day by day. Owners are feeling the market perfectly and are already asking $20 per metric ton for wheat parcels from Rostov/Azov to Marmara ports.
Charterers, however, are not yet ready to support this level for the time being and, according to Rufco shipbrokers, actual fixtures are mainly done at the level of $19 pmt.
Rufco suppose that freight rates will continue to rise slowly and by the end of this week $20 pmt might become reality.
Freight rates to the Sea of Marmara from Rostov make $19-20 per ton.
Freight rates from Rostov to SE Black Sea ports are $17-18 per ton.
In the Caspian, there are no significant changes. It is just half a month remaining before the opening of internal waterways. There are already numerous budgeting requests for cargoes to North Iranian ports ex Rostov/Azov and mid-Volga ports.
Time charter equivalents are still more attractive in the Caspian region, so some Sea of Azov owners might consider repositioning there with the navigation opening.
The current freight rates from Astrakhan to Iran make $31-32 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.