In the Azov market, it was a very disappointing week. The trade activity is minimal. According to Rufco shipbrokers, owners are ready to accept very low levels just to avoid further fleet idling.
Rates declined significantly and in a very unusual way for the end of August, which contradicts the trends observed in 2017 and 2018.
There are different opinions and forecasts for the situation, but some say that recovery in trade might happen only during second part of September.
For the time being rates proposed for agri cargoes ex Temryuk are already lower than those on similar directions in the Black Sea coasters market, which is a nonsense.
Freight rates to the Sea of Marmara from Rostov lost $2 and make $18-20 pmt.
Freight rates from Rostov to SE Black Sea ports are also down making $16-18 pmt.
The Black Sea coasters segment is at least holding its position. The situation here is not so deteriorating as in the Sea of Azov,
The Caspian market is also declining, rates lost couple of dollars during the week, but the situation is still not so dramatic as on the other side of the Volga-Don channel.
Freight ex Astrakhan to Iran make $26-28 pmt this week.
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.