In week 43, freight rates in the Caspian region remain at the previous week’s levels. Charterers are generally prepared to pay USD 123–125/mt for the shipment of 3,000 mt of corn from Astrakhan to the northern Iranian ports. At the same time, owners are mostly asking USD 130/mt, taking into account individual enquiries where charterers, due to a greater need for tonnage, are willing to offer higher freight rates.
Activity in the Baltic sea freight market remains at previous levels, with freight rates holding steady. Grain, fertilizers and coal continue to be the main driving forces behind the market, shaping its current dynamics.