Capesize (Atlantic and Pacific)
The Capesize market appeared very low activity during last week because of Christmas holiday and the ending of the year. In the last week which ended Thursday, the Baltic Capesize Index lost 679 points,and the T/C average Usd 8.267 daily. Either the Atlantic or the Pacific with very little activity except the spot ships which must be fixed and cannot be postponed after the holidays. Fronthaul cargoes were running at about Usd 27 level and pacific rounds in the region of Usd 11 level. Next week, the absent Baltic Capesize Index will undoubtedly contribute to lower the already depressed Capesize market.
Panamax (Atlantic and Pacific)
Market in pre holiday mood with a fair volume of fixing in the east at steady numbers. The Atlantic remained firm with the owners asking premiums for trips to the east and transatlantic rates taking advantage from this situation. Short or long period almost not extisting with ows request rates much over the spot market.
Handy (Far East/Pacific)
Fixing activity was slowing last week even though the amount of business still to be fixed for January dates is still large. The market remained almost unchanged, except for the InterPacific that slowed further even if a Supramax was reported was concluded at a much firmer rate. The feeling is that market may pick again, at least for a while, after the holidays. The short period fixing was booked at a few hundred dollars more daily than previous week.
Handy (North Europe/Mediterranean)
Handysize activity in Continent was dominated by Cement cargoes for West Africa that was reported firmer levels. The rest of the activity was very limited in connection with the Christmas celebrations, but there was still an acceptable amount of enquiry, both for loading out of Black Sea and Continent. Charterers kept their short period chartering interest and an aged Handysize was booked at nice money for a short duration commitment.
Handy (USA/N.Atlantic/Lakes/S.America)
Last week activity slowed down out of Americas as well. Transatlantic trade was almost idle whilst business from US Gulf for FarEast registered firmer fixtures. Some charterers still chose to cover their single trip requirements by fixing tonnage basis short period in order to trying avoiding higher rates upfront.
Handy (Indian Ocean/South Africa)
Backhaul business from South Africa to Atlantic keeps fixing at unartractive rates while the India to China iron ore trade showed to be a little softer this week with more requirements quoted on voyage basis. Agreed time-charter rates however didn't suffer any affection sofar and a couple of units were reported at fancy rates basis delivery passing Muscat for loading out of West Coast India.
Banchero Costa and Co Spa
Mail: research@bancosta.it
Web: www.bancosta.it