In the Azov market, freight rates are stable by now, but the forthcoming May holidays may change the situation dramatically.
Market activity is expected to decline starting from May 1, according to Rufco shipbrokers. June and May are traditionally a hard time for coasters in both Azov and Black Seas where they have to find alternative cargoes for this period or change their chartering strategy.
Freight rates to the Sea of Marmara from Rostov make $16-17 per ton.
Freight rates from Rostov to SE Black Sea ports are $14-15 per ton.
In the Caspian, demand from Iranian buyers for barley and corn remains stably high and this definitely supports freight levels in the region.
Cargo proposals from mid and upper Volga ports for the time being absorb newly added tonnage. The May holidays will also lower activity in this region, but not to the same extent as in the Sea of Azov.
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.