There are more and more opinions stating that week 37 could bring some fresh air for trade activity and subsequent changes in the Azov freight market starting from week 38.
For the moment, there are not so many open cargoes on the market, but the number of spot tonnage also reduced, according to Rufco shipbrokers.
Owners are choosing short voyages in order to cope with present market losses, interest for long-haul voyages is minimal or subject to extra premium.
Freight rates to the Sea of Marmara from Rostov lost $2 and make $18.5-19.5 pmt.
Freight rates from Rostov to SE Black Sea ports are also down making $16.5-17.5 pmt.
azovIn the Black Sea, coasters are not yet receiving enough support from grains shipments. Steels from Russian and Ukrainian ports are not so active and unable to change the sideward trend in the region.
Handy shipments have almost stabilized and only Supramax rates continue to grow in the Black/Mediterranean.
Iranian buyers show limited activity, which leaves the region in quite a depressed state. For the time being there is a balance between the number of vessels trading in the region and the demand for cargo transportation ex river and Caspian ports.
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.