In the deep see market of the Baltic region, there is a tendency to postpone Handysize shipments of various goods because freight rates for such vessels continue to grow making many sale contracts unprofitable. According to Sea Line shipbrokers, many owners prefer to take cargo going to North and South America having in mind the increasing soybean exports from Brazil, which ensures return shipments to the Continent and China.
On week 10, freight rates for 30,000-35,000 dwt bulkers from Ust-Luga went up slightly for some directions.
Thus, rates on the Ust-Luga – Continent – Ust-Luga were $25 pmt, rates from Ust-Luga to North Spain were $26.25 pmt, and those to Casablanca were $28 pmt.
Rates from Ust-Luga were $33.75 pmt to West Med rates, and $38 pmt to East Med.
Rates for 30,000-35,000 dwt bulkers from Ust-Luga to the Black Sea amounted to $41 pmt.
The short sea market in the Baltic has seen a slight drop in freight rates for most directions due to the warming weather and improving ice conditions in the Eastern Baltic ports. However, an even greater rate decrease in the second half of March expected by many charterers is unlikely to materialize due to the continually rising fuel prices, Sea Lines forecast.
As for cargoes, there are active shipments of fertilizers from inland waters of the Baltic to ports of the UK and the Continent. At the same time, many owners prefer cargoes such as coal and steel due to the unfavorable conditions for loading and discharging weather sensitive cargoes such as grain, fertilizers, etc. Also, many vessels are exempt from long-term contracts and provide a large selection of tonnage for charterers.
On week 10, freight rates for smaller bulkers from Ust-Luga moved down for some directions.
Thus, rates from Ust-Luga to Riga made €19 pmt and those to Gdansk were €21 pmt.
Freight rates from Ust-Luga made €255.5 pmt to Szczecin, €28 to Flensburg, and €30 to Hamburg.
Rates from Ust-Luga were €32 pmt to ARAG, €41 pmt to East Britain, €42 pmt to West Britain, and €43 pmt to Dublin.
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.