On the 26th week, the freight rates in the Azov region showed a slight decrease

On the 26th week, the freight rates in the Azov region showed a slight decrease. On the direction of Azov-Marmara sea ports, the shipment of 3,000 mts of wheat fell to the level of USD 30-31 pmt. Freight rates for long distance voyages remains at the same level, as most shipowners prefer cargoes for close destinations.

However, due to the approaching of long holidays in Turkey in mid-July, a number of owners, who are able to travel to European countries, prefer to look for cargoes to those destinations rather than be stuck in Turkish ports on days off.

Demand for barley is low among Turkish receivers, as many companies expect a new harvest in the second half of July. Also, some Turkish market players switched to purchasing grains from Ukraine because of the more attractive price due to the absence of a duty on exports.

Large charterers continue to actively seek trans-shipment vessels to the Caucasus from the end of July-beg August. There are fewer cargoes on spot, as charterers wait for a new harvest and will resume their shipments from the second half of July.