On the 28th week, the trend up for freight rates continues in the Azov-Black Sea region. Thus, the rate for a shipment of 3,000 tons of wheat from Azov to Marmara sea ports reaches the level of USD 33 per ton this week. Despite the lack of a new crop due to severe weather conditions in the Russian southern regions, spot shipments are quite active, especially for wheat and peas cargoes. At the same time, many shipowners cannot accurately determine the dates of the laycan for the next two weeks, since there is no certainty that the current voyages to Turkey will be successfully completed and the vessel will not be stuck in the port of discharging due to the upcoming Turkish holidays until July 26.
In addition, it is important to note that many charterers are starting to search for a vessel for the concluded contracts for August. The main destinations for such forward shipments at the moment are Turkey and Italy. As for the Russian river, many shippers plan that cargo will begin to arrive in stores within the next two weeks, however, shipments are planned no earlier than mid-August.