Weekly Freight Recap: 15/05/25

PANAMAX Atlantic: The North Atlantic saw further pressure this week as mineral fronthaul activity continued at discounted levels and transatlantic demand remained thin. Tonnage availability increased, widening the bid-offer spread and contributing to a downward drift in rates. In the South, earlier fixing activity gave way to broader market uncertainty, with charterers and owners struggling to align on current values, keeping rates flat and positional.

Pacific: The Pacific returned mixed signals. Improved activity out of Australia provided some optimism, but the weight of available vessels kept rates from firming. NoPac and Indonesia trades remained subdued, with differing views on real market value for longer rounds. As a result, owners struggled to gain traction, and sentiment stayed cautious across the region.

SUPRAMAX Atlantic: The Atlantic Supramax market held a largely stable tone. The US Gulf remained the most resilient, with firm levels supported by steady demand, although actual fixing remained limited. The South Atlantic appeared balanced, while the Continent and East Mediterranean continued to lag behind due to a lack of new cargoes and downward rate pressure. Pacific: In Asia, the market continued to soften amid limited fresh inquiry and increasing prompt tonnage. Southeast Asia and Indonesia lacked volume to support rates, while the Indian Ocean held firmer ground with active coal demand from South Africa. Fixing was thin overall, and owners remained defensive, with rate ideas broadly under pressure across the region.

HANDYSIZE Atlantic: The Handysize Atlantic market remained quiet, with the Continent and Mediterranean holding flat around last done levels. The South Atlantic showed little movement but was considered balanced, while the US Gulf continued to soften with limited demand and weakening sentiment.

Pacific: The Pacific market was similarly subdued, with a longer tonnage list and a thin cargo book keeping rates under pressure. Southeast Asia and the Arabian Gulf remained quiet, with few fixtures reported. Owners faced slow momentum and limited options, reflecting a market still struggling to find direction.