A significant reduction of spot vessels, due to the fact that the majority of shipowners have fixes their vessels for long-distance voyages, has led to a slight increase in freight rates. Freight rate for shipment of 3000 mts of wheat from Azov to Marmara sea ports has reached the level of USD 17 pmt on this week..
There are more cargoes on the Azov-Black sea region, their amount is still insignificant in comparison to the same periods of previous years, however, a tendency of improvement of market situation is observed.
The good news on this week is the completion of ice-breaker navigation from February, 27 at Azov, Rostov and Taganrog ports. However, ice dues will be charged till March, 16from all vessels for each call and each departure to/from early mentioned ports.
In the Caspian region there is an increasing in freight rates. The price for shipment of 3000 mts of corn from Astrakhan to NIP is already USD 28 PMT. Most of the shipments are still from the Makhachkala port. Bas weather conditions in last few days slowed down the port work and has led to a big congestion and long awaiting for birth.