In the Baltic short sea market, there was a slight drop in rates for shipments within the Baltic Sea, including the Danish Straits area. According to Sea Lines shipbrokers, ship owners are especially interested in cargoes to Sweden and South Denmark, as there is a large flow of timber from there. Ports in the UK and Ireland remain an undesirable destination with severe storms leading to longer voyages and congestions.
There is a large number of vessels opening in the Continent. Many of them are in search of return cargoes, but there are very few of them at the moment in the ARAG, and those that exist require rates below the market. That is why many ship owners prefer to return to the Baltic in ballast for more attractive cargo and good rates.
On week 18, freight rates for 3,000-5,000 dwt bulkers from Ust-Luga moved sideways.
Thus, rates from Ust-Luga to Riga made €14.75 pmt and those to Gdansk were €17 pmt.
Freight rates from Ust-Luga made €19.25 pmt to Szczecin, €23.75 to Flensburg, and €28 to Hamburg.
Rates from Ust-Luga were €29 pmt to ARAG, €37.75 pmt to East Britain, €39.75 pmt to West Britain, and €40.5 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.