In the Azov market, freight rates are sliding in a sideward direction. Trade remains inactive not only for grains and coal (commodity prices for which continue to dive), but for steel shipments as well.
According to Rufco shipbrokers, grain parcels from Rostov or Azov to Marmara are usually fixed in the range of $17-18 per metric ton.
Black Sea coasters market is also experiencing a lack of cargoes available for transportation. Freight for a 5k wheat lot from Novorossiysk to Marmara has now almost the same price as for Azov sea shipments.
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, rates ex Astrakhan in comparison with Volgograd shipments are more attractive and give about $150/daily surplus in TC Equivalent. That is why the majority of river ships still prefer to be loaded at Astrakhan.
There are plenty of cargoes ex Caspian to Black and Marmara seas, but owners prefer not to leave this healthy region, where they still can earn a bit more than mere running costs
The current freight rates from Astrakhan to Iran make $30-31 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.