The short sea water market in the Baltic region has seen a slight drop in rates due to warming and the final arrival of spring. 3-5K shipments of such cargoes as fertilizers, coal and some kinds of grain are gaining activity, Sea Lines shipbrokers report. This week, European ship owners are celebrating Easter, so most of the opening positions in the Baltic are expected after the holidays.
Meanwhile, the North and Irish Seas are experiencing severe storms, so most ship owners prefer to stay within the Baltic region and not go beyond the Danish Straits. Thus, the offers of vessels for cargo designated for ARAG and UK ports are decreasing, despite the fact that shipments there remain relevant.
Also, there is a lack of a tonnage in the Baltic because many owners have sent their vessels to the Biscay Bay and the Mediterranean Sea, and are currently in search of back cargo, according to Sea Lines.
On week 13, freight rates for 30,000-35,000 dwt bulkers from Ust-Luga declined slightly.
Thus, rates on the Ust-Luga – Continent – Ust-Luga were $21 pmt, rates from Ust-Luga to North Spain were $23.5 pmt, and those to Casablanca were $27 pmt.
Rates from Ust-Luga were $31.25 pmt to West Med rates, and $37.75 pmt to East Med.
Rates for 30,000-35,000 dwt bulkers from Ust-Luga to the Black Sea amounted to $40 pmt.
On week 13, freight rates for smaller bulkers from Ust-Luga also moved down.
Thus, rates from Ust-Luga to Riga made €16.5 pmt and those to Gdansk were €18.25 pmt.
Freight rates from Ust-Luga made €20.5 pmt to Szczecin, €24.75 to Flensburg, and €27.5 to Hamburg.
Rates from Ust-Luga were €30.5 pmt to ARAG, €38 pmt to East Britain, €39 pmt to West Britain, and €40.25 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.