Ccom. azapesize
The market strengthened throughout the week, with rising sentiment supported by strong activity in the Pacific and a late-week improvement in Atlantic fundamentals. Despite the fragmented trading environment caused by public holidays in both the UK and Singapore, the market showed resilience, with the BCI 182 5TC rising above the $50,000 level by Thursday. Pacific remained the main driver throughout, supported by continued participation from all three major miners, a healthy flow of operator-controlled cargoes, and additional bidding activity. Strong install volumes helped absorb available tonnage and steadily lift C5 prices, with sentiment improving as the week progressed and gradually pushing installations to the high $16.00s and, in some cases, above $17.00. However, as the week came to a close, conditions in the Pacific region eased marginally despite continued activity, with interest rates falling from highs on Thursday to lows to the mid-$16.00s. While the Atlantic started the week relatively calm, momentum has improved significantly in the latter stages. Shipments from Southern Brazil and West Africa to China gradually strengthened, with C3 moving from the high $36.00 range towards the high $37.00 and low $38.00 levels for the index dates. Transatlantic earnings improved on the back of a limited number of stronger matches, while Front Haul activity remained relatively quiet.
Panamax Kamsarmax
The Panamax market saw gradual improvement during the week, although conditions varied regionally. The Atlantic lacked clear momentum, with supply steadily increasing and activity failing to accommodate the growing tonnage list. While some interest in forward transport continued, it was largely focused on the front, leaving fast ships under pressure and forcing owners to temper price expectations. In contrast, the Pacific region remained steady and was the main driver of gains. Strong export demand from Australia and Indonesia has increased competition for express tonnage, with rates steadily holding steady, particularly on round trips in Australia. Overall, the P5TC rose from US$20,318 on Tuesday to US$21,086 by Friday, mainly driven by Pacific momentum, while period interest was also reported to have remained present throughout the week.
Ultramax/Supramax
The Supramax market ended the week with a familiar split between the harder Atlantic and softer Asia. The US Gulf region remained the main source of support, with brokers reporting flat new shipments and improving demand across the Atlantic, helping to keep sentiment positive and support price ideas. The Continent – Mediterranean remained balanced to slightly positive, although some felt the market may have reached a ceiling in the near term, while the South Atlantic remained well positioned. In contrast, Asia lost momentum as limited inquiries and holiday disruptions across the Indian Ocean and Singapore weighed on activity and sentiment. The fixtures reflected this difference, with strong Atlantic numbers being discussed, with a 63,000 DWT Newark to Thailand fixed at US$28,000, while Asian business remained quieter with a 57,000 DWT fixed voyage re-delivered to Indonesia from EC India at US$23,750. Overall, the 11TC average was relatively resilient despite the mid-week weakness, ending at $19,827 confirming the weekend tone of Atlantic strength offset by Asian weakness.
Handy size
The Handy market ended the week on a mixed but broadly flat basis, with regional trends continuing to shape sentiment. The continent and the Mediterranean remained largely balanced, with rates remaining close to previous levels, while the South Atlantic remained under pressure amid limited new demand and an increasing supply of fast tonnage. A ship of 35,000 fixed tons for the voyage from Skaw across the continent to the Dakar-Abidjan chain, loaded with grain, at a price of $12,000. In contrast, the US Gulf region maintained a more stable tone throughout the week, supported by improving demand, especially for larger volumes. A 40,000-ton ship was reported to be repaired for a voyage from Houston to the Caribbean at $23,000. Asia has also remained resilient, supported by fewer ships and a steady flow of goods. A ship of 40,000 fixed tons for a voyage from Lanshan to Southeast Asia with steel at $19,500.
Source: Baltic Stock Exchange
