Weekly Freight Recap: 12/09/24
Sep 12, 2024
PANAMAX
Atlantic: The Panamax market saw moderate gains this week, with improved sentiment for short trans-Atlantic trips, particularly for mineral cargoes. In the South Atlantic, earlier vessels continue to face challenges for September dates, but mid-October arrivals show firmer rate discussions. Fronthaul routes saw some positive developments, while the North Atlantic remains pressured by excess tonnage.
Pacific: In the Pacific, rates picked up slightly as demand for North Pacific grain shipments increased. Owners offering flexible loading options from both North Pacific and Australia achieved better rates. Although activity was slower, the market maintained its positive trend.
SUPRAMAX
Atlantic: The Supramax market saw some improvement in trans-Atlantic rates from the US Gulf, though the South Atlantic remained slow with fewer fresh inquiries. The Continent-Mediterranean region was quiet with limited activity.
Pacific: In Asia, nickel ore trades saw increased interest, particularly from the Philippines to China. However, upcoming holidays kept some charterers from committing to fixtures. Overall, rates held steady, supported by healthy cargo volumes.
HANDYSIZE
Atlantic: The Handysize market experienced minimal activity, with sentiment softening in the Continent and Mediterranean. The US Gulf continued to struggle with an imbalance of cargo and available tonnage. In the South Atlantic, a slight increase in fresh demand was noted, but it wasn't enough to change the overall market tone.
Pacific: In Asia, the market remained steady despite a growing tonnage list. Healthy cargo volumes helped keep rates stable at recent levels.
Weekly Recaps
Freight
Freight Recap:
05/06/25
Jun 05, 2025
The Panamax Atlantic market showed signs of a strong rebound, especially in both the North and South where firmer bids and tightening tonnage contributed to rising sentiment. Fixtures suggested that some charterers may have overplayed their hand, triggering a jump in rates
Commodities
Agri- Commodities:
26–30 /5/25 Agri
Jun 02, 2025
Monday opened quietly in Europe as U.S. markets remained closed for Memorial Day. MATIF wheat traded lower in thin volumes, but losses were limited by concerns over dry conditions in France and rising temperatures in Russia. The May JRC MARS Bulletin painted a mixed EU crop outlook, nudging soft wheat yield estimates slightly higher but trimming rapeseed expectations. Meanwhile, geopolitical noise grew louder with President Trump mulling new sanctions against Russia, and Germany lifting range restrictions on Ukrainian strikes using Western weapons.
Freight
Freight Recap:
29/05/25
May 29, 2025
The Atlantic market struggled with weak sentiment throughout the week. Following recent holidays, demand remained soft and fresh cargoes were limited, particularly in the North. In the South, while some fixing activity was noted, oversupply of ships continued to weigh heavily on rates. Owners faced increasing pressure as charterers held firm, and some vessels were reported fixing below last done.
Commodities
Agri- Commodities:
19-23/5/25 Agri
May 26, 2025
Grain markets exhibited volatility throughout Week 21, with wheat prices leading a mid-week rally before easing slightly into the weekend. Early in the week, MATIF milling wheat weakened in response to Saudi Arabia’s tender, which confirmed continued preference for competitively priced Black Sea wheat. Meanwhile, CBOT futures found strength, buoyed by a broader risk-on sentiment in financial markets after a brief dip following Moody’s downgrade of the U.S. credit rating. U.S. corn inspections came in strong, and planting progress remained well ahead of the five-year average, though winter wheat conditions unexpectedly declined. On the geopolitical front, markets briefly reacted to the news of prospective ceasefire talks between Ukraine and Russia, although subsequent clarifications tempered expectations.
