Rates have risen a bit in the Azov region. After three weeks of low water the majority of owners prefer to book Yeisk rather than Azov or Rostov. However, ice formation and winter weather conditions usually reduce the water level risk to the minimum.
December is the month when the forthcoming end of the year is pushing traders to fulfill their long-term contracts. Traditionally, owners are also starting to work on strategy for their fleet employment to avoid New Year idling. According to Rufco shipbrokers, this usually increases market activity and moves freight up right until Christmas holidays. But, the real trend in this abnormal year remains to be seen. Anyway there are plenty factors for further upward trend for the time being.
According to Rufco shipbrokers, freight rates to the Sea of Marmara make $21-22 pmt from Rostov and $20-21 pmt from Yeisk.
Freight rates to SE Black Sea ports are $19-20 pmt from Rostov and $18-19 pmt from Yeisk.
The Black Sea coasters are again shifting sideward due to number of open tonnage in the region. Meanwhile, the number of open cargoes is increasing.
The Caspian market remains hot. Activity is shifting from river to Caspian ports where demand for open tonnage is only rising.
Freight ex Astrakhan to Iran make $40-41 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.