Capesize

Positive sentiment was observed across both the Atlantic and Pacific basins throughout the week, with the exception of a brief pause on Thursday. The Capesize timecharter average closed at $25,457 on Friday, marking a gain of $1,944 week-on-week. Sentiment appeared positive in the North Atlantic but activity remained limited overall. In the Brazil/West Africa region, the C3 route experienced increased mid-week activity. Cargoes loading in the second half of October was fixing at higher rates than those scheduled for the first half of the month. By week’s end, the laycan had fully shifted into October, and the C3 index mirrored seasonal trends typical for this time of year. However, closing at $23.59 is a softer level. In the Pacific, the West Australia to China route was well supported by miners early in the week with the C5 index climbed to mid $10s but gradually dropped to $10.245. A transpacific round voyage was paying in the $26,000s for a duration of approximately 35 to 45 days.


Panamax

A week for the optimists in the Panamax sector with steady rises throughout the Atlantic and Asian markets, although we seemed to have reach a period of consolidation as the week ended. From the Atlantic basin, we saw decent levels of both grain and mineral demand versus a limited tonnage list, creating the perfect storm for owners, reports of mid $20,000s achieved for a trans-Atlantic trip via US Gulf delivery this side. South America returned a less spectacular week with several deals concluded at mixed rates. Asia’s support was mostly NoPac centric, ably bolstered by solid mineral demand ex Australia and Indonesia enabling rates to climb from lower rates in recent weeks, rates via NoPac and Australia concluded a few times at $16,000 the high rate for the week. Limited period deals concluded both fixed and index linked, the headline rate of $18,000 achieved on an 84,000-dwt delivery Singapore basis 4/6 months trading.


Ultramax/Supramax

A positional week overall as the Atlantic remained firm in pockets whilst The Asian arena certainly in the south saw demand retract and rates ease a little. In the Atlantic, the main push came from the US Gulf, a 60,000-dwt fixing delivery Mobile for trip to India at around $32,000 level. Whilst similar size tonnage fixed a trans Atlantic run at $30,000. Fronthaul demand was seen from the South Atlantic, a 63,000-dwt fixing delivery Santos for a trip SE Asia at $16,750 plus $675,000 ballast bonus. In Asia, a 63,000-dwt fixed delivery North China for a trip to Bangladesh at $22,000. Further south, a 57,000-dwt fixed delivery Singapore for a round voyage via Indonesia at $15,750. Activity was seen from the Indian Ocean, a 62,000-dwt fixing delivery South Africa for a trip to EC India at $21,000 plus $210,000 ballast bonus. Further north, a 58,000-dwt fixed delivery Salalah for a trip Vietnam at $14,500.

 

Handysize

The market displayed a mixed performance this week, with some regions holding steady while others recorded stronger gains. In the Continent and Mediterranean, activity was limited, with only marginal improvements as rates edged slightly higher than previous levels. For example, a 36,000-dwt was fixed for a trip delivery Skaw via Baltic redelivery Luanda at around $16,500.  The South Atlantic maintained its momentum, showing balanced conditions with continued support, as a 37,000-dwt was reported fixed delivery Recalada to the Mediterranean with grains at $21,750. By contrast, the U.S. Gulf softened due to weaker demand, with a 37,000-dwt fixed delivery SW Pass to Algeria with grains at $19,500. Meanwhile, Asia remained subdued, with fundamentals broadly stable and rates hovering near last-done levels, as a 40,000-dwt was fixed for a trip from Mundra to Sohar with steel pipes at $13,000.