Weekly Freight Recap: 28/02/25
Feb 28, 2025
PANAMAX Atlantic: The Panamax market maintained its positive momentum, following typical seasonal trends. The North Atlantic remained steady, with limited vessel availability supporting owners’ expectations. In contrast, the South Atlantic saw a more dynamic market, with increasing demand driving improved sentiment and stronger negotiations.
Pacific: The Pacific market experienced further gains, supported by a tight balance between vessel supply and demand. Grain and mineral cargoes continued to see healthy interest, contributing to the firming market. Future sentiment remains optimistic, with expectations of further strengthening as the month progresses. Period activity also saw increased interest, reflecting confidence in market conditions.
SUPRAMAX Atlantic: The Atlantic Supramax sector remained active, although some signs of stabilization appeared in the US Gulf as fresh inquiries slowed. The Mediterranean market held steady, while the South Atlantic remained balanced with a mix of opportunities. Fixture activity continued, with vessels securing steady employment for regional and long-haul trades.
Pacific: Asia continued its upward trend, with strong demand supporting higher rates. An increase in backhaul business further contributed to market stability, while period interest remained firm. The regional market remained competitive, with charterers actively pursuing available tonnage.
HANDYSIZE Atlantic: The Handysize market remained firm across the Atlantic, with steady demand in both the North and South. The US Gulf and South Atlantic continued to see stable activity, while the Continent and Mediterranean recorded slight improvements. Owners maintained confidence in rate levels, leading to firm negotiations.
Pacific: The Pacific market saw increased activity, particularly in North China and Southeast Asia, where vessel supply tightened. Spot demand remained healthy, supporting firmer levels. There was also a rise in interest for period employment, indicating stable longer-term market expectations.
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.
