Weekly Freight Recap: 19/06/25

PANAMAX Atlantic: The Panamax Atlantic market showed signs of plateauing this week, with reduced spot activity prompting concerns of near-term softening. North Atlantic visibility remained limited, with owners and charterers continuing to disagree on rate expectations, leading to a widening bid-offer gap. Meanwhile, the South Atlantic retained some strength on prompt transatlantic demand, but later positions faced downward pressure amid fewer fresh inquiries. Although some fronthaul deals were concluded at solid levels, the overall tone was cautious, and sentiment appeared to be shifting slightly weaker.

Pacific: In Asia, the market displayed a two-tier dynamic. Pockets of firmness persisted, driven by steady Japanese tender demand and East Australian export activity. However, these were counterbalanced by an oversupply of tonnage in other areas and a lack of momentum from Indonesia. Rates for shorter trips were preferred by some owners reluctant to commit to longer grain voyages amid uncertainty. Overall, while some trades continued to yield respectable returns, sentiment has turned more tentative, with the 5TC index correcting downward.

SUPRAMAX Atlantic: Supramax activity in the Atlantic remained uneven, with the South Atlantic and US Gulf offering relative support. Some fixtures indicated steady demand and firmer sentiment, especially for transatlantic and inter-American routes. However, limited fresh enquiry in the Continent and Mediterranean continued to cap any broader upward movement. Despite mixed feedback, most participants viewed the region as more resilient than Asia, and owners retained some optimism heading into the next week.

Pacific: The Pacific Supramax market continued to face headwinds, though sentiment varied by sub-region. Southeast Asia and the North Pacific remained quiet, with ample tonnage availability and slow cargo flow. However, a marginal uptick in Indian Ocean and Indonesian coal enquiries led to firmer resistance from some owners. Still, most market players described activity as flat, with rates holding steady at best. Fixing remained selective, with few period deals and most owners preferring spot opportunities.

HANDYSIZE Atlantic: The Handy market posted another firm performance, particularly in the South Atlantic and US Gulf, where strong demand and tightening supply pushed rates upward. Charterers were increasingly forced to raise bids, while owners became more selective. Fixtures in the region reflected robust fundamentals, with transatlantic and fronthaul runs drawing healthy interest. In contrast, the Continent and Mediterranean remained subdued, with minimal fresh inquiry and flat sentiment. The Atlantic overall continues to offer stronger support compared to other basins.

Pacific: Activity in Asia picked up slightly, with some signs of balance returning. The tonnage list remained manageable, and while rates were steady rather than rising, brokers noted an uptick in cargo volumes, especially for Southeast Asia delivery. Market participants maintained a mixed outlook, with no clear momentum shift yet, but some confidence emerging. Period interest was noted in both Atlantic and Pacific, though longer durations remained limited in volume.