According to preliminary estimates, shipments of French soft wheat outside the European Union increased in February as shipments to Algeria and Morocco rose again, offsetting the lull in exports to China. Analysts suggest that this trend will continue in March this year.
According to Sea Lines shipbrokers, the demand for Russian and Ukrainian grain in Algeria, Tunisia and Morocco continues to grow similarly. This provides an interest in Handysize vessels in the Black Sea market. Most shipments are scheduled for April, in the hope of more favorable freight rates and weather conditions.
At the moment, ship owners prefer not to enter the ports of Novorossiysk and Taman because of long lines and strong winds, which do not allow to quickly handle not only ships with grain and other weather sensitive cargoes, but even with coal.
On week 10, freight rates for 40,000-50,000 dwt bulkers from Novorossiysk declined.
Freight rates from Novorossiysk made $23.25 pmt to East Med and $25 pmt to West Med.
Freight rates from Novorossiysk to Casablanca were $31 pmt, freight rates to India amounted to $49 pmt.
Freight rates from Novorossiysk to China made $52.5 pmt.
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.