On the 43rd week we observe a slight increase in freight rates in the Azov-Black Sea region. Contracts for the shipment of 3,000 tons of wheat from the port of Azov to Marmara sea ports are concluded at the level of USD 45 pmt. Despite the low activity in wheat shipments, there is a large number of other grain cargoes on the market.
Charterers actively calculate shipments of corn, meal, wbp, safflower and some other high stowage crops. In addition, charterers consider contracts for long-distance destinations, such as Mersin, Lebanon, Greece and Italy.
This week, the corn harvest ended, as a result of which shippers expect lower prices in the domestic market and an increase in the number of shipments of this crop.
In the Baltic Sea, there is an active growth of freight rates. Despite the large number of open positions on this region, the high demand for them allows shipowners to maintain a high level of freight rates. Mainly cargoes from Baltic ports ships to the ports of Ghent and Antwerp. On week 43, the freight rate from Ust-Luga to Ghent is 48-49 euros per ton