Chartering - Handy
The handy and supra market is also being affected by the marginal volume of activity in the commodity sales. We see a small upturn in the TA (Trans Atlantic) market from last week, but it is still being done at low levels. The small increase on TA (Trans Atlantic) rates from last week could also be affected by the Chinese New Year which is coming up next week and chrts wanting to cover their positions. TA(Trans Atlantic)'s are now paying around USD 5.5K. In the Far East we do not see a whole lot of difference from last week. Pacific Rounds are being fixed on APS (Arrival Pilot Station) bassis and levels around USD 3-4K while owners willing to go WCI-PG range are able to fix at around USD 5k.
Chartering - Panamax
The Panamax market seems to have found its logical bottom, for now. Rates are up from last week, but with small margins. We do believe the recent rate increase is much lead by the up comming Chinese New Year and chrts wanting to cover their market positions. It is also an affect of owners saying that they will not go any further down and rather ballast or drift until they see better rates. The TA's are now being fixed at around Usd 3,300 which is well below OPEX. Front Hauls are being fixed in region of USD 8K and bringing owners to a much more depressed market. Pacific Rounds are being fixed tick below 4k while ows willing WCI-PG rge are getting ard Usd 4-4,5k. The period market is still somewhat active but this for the ows willing to do index linked deals.
Chartering - Capesize
The best description for the market is, Flat. Although there has been healthy fixing activity out of West Australia, the rates have remained around mid usd 4’s. This is considered disappointing as the bunker prices have risen and this should be been reflected in the rates. On the Front haul there is little to report, even from the operators. The Atlantic has also been quiet with fixing being in line with the paper market. There has been a bit of period activity but either at depressed levels or index linked. Not surprisingly, the list of re-let COA’s is longer than we have seen for quite some time.
The best description for the market is, Flat. Although there has been healthy fixing activity out of West Australia, the rates have remained around mid usd 4’s. This is considered disappointing as the bunker prices have risen and this should be been reflected in the rates. On the Front haul there is little to report, even from the operators. The Atlantic has also been quiet with fixing being in line with the paper market. There has been a bit of period activity but either at depressed levels or index linked. Not surprisingly, the list of re-let COA’s is longer than we have seen for quite some time.