On the 45th week there is an increase in rates in the Azov-Black Sea region. Contracts for shipment of 3,000 tons of wheat from Azov to the Marmara Sea ports are concluded at the level of USD 48 pmt.
The rate increase is due to the shortage of spot tonnage in the region. Most charterers are trying to find a vessel before the beginning of the next week in order to have time to ship the goods before the new export fee comes into force, which is expected to be significantly higher than the previous one. This increase should especially affect the corn, which is currently being exported most actively.
The situation with the shortage of spot fleet is worsened by unfavorable weather conditions in the Black Sea, as a result of which this week some shipowners were forced to postpone the prospects of their open positions. In addition, active sales to Turkey resumed this week, at the same time, long-distance destinations such as Mersin and Italy are still being popular.
In the Caspian Sea this week, an increase in open vessels positions with Iranian flag can be noted.
However, the high demand for tonnage allows owners to maintain a high level of freight rates.
In addition, Iranian charterers began to offer back cargoes more actively, but there are practically no shipowners willing to spend time loading back cargo, since it turns out to be much more profitable to proceed in ballast for loading in the port of Astrakhan.
In the Baltic region, freight rates for short voyages have started to decline gradually as shipowners try to return and retain their fleet in the region. The price for ARAG is still high. Shipment of dwt cargo from Ust-Luga to ARAG range this week is EUR 57pet metric ton.