The Black Sea market is slightly better than the Azov segment but this is mainly due to the fact that a number of coasters were fixed on long-run voyages to the Continent, where the market is a bit brisker. That was just a temporary ease for the Black Sea market but the number of spot vessels has started to increase again during this week. Sea-river tonnage has faced another $1 rates correction this week.
According to Rufco shipbrokers, freight rates to the Sea of Marmara make $21-22 pmt from Rostov and 20.5-21.5 pmt from Yeisk.
Freight rates to SE Black Sea ports are $19-20 pmt from Rostov and 18.5-19.5 pmt from Yeisk.
The Caspian region is still benefiting from the increased trade activity and the forthcoming end of the navigation period. Russian flagged vessels are mainly engaged in the trade from the Volga river ports where they can get maximal time charter equivalents.
Rates ex Volgograd are quoted now as high as $54 pmt but it is so hard to find any open tonnage here. Aktau and other Caspian Sea port are also following the trend and have to struggle for open tonnage by constantly increasing freight rates.
Freight ex Astrakhan to Iran make $39-40 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.