+380 67 625 91 65The Black Sea freight market is experiencing a revival driven by increased demand for the transportation of grain and metal products. This has led to a moderate rise in freight rates; however, market participants remain cautious in their decision-making. Shipowners face strong resistance from charterers, who are reluctant to accept higher tariffs despite favorable export prices. The limited availability of cargo continues to pressure vessel owners, restraining rate growth. At the same time, the reduction in available tonnage is creating the conditions for shipowners to strengthen their positions in the coming weeks. As a result, the market remains in a fragile balance between supply and demand. If current cargo volumes persist, a further gradual increase in freight rates can be expected, although significant changes in the short term are unlikely.
In the Mediterranean direction, a persistent shortage of cargo flows is putting pressure on freight rates. Despite shipowners’ attempts to maintain current tariff levels, charterers continue to push for more favorable terms. A key factor remains the imbalance between available tonnage and the volume of transported cargo, which strengthens charterers’ positions. Shipowners are showing a willingness to defend their interests by refusing additional concessions, even if this results in temporary underutilization of their fleet. High competition among different cargo types influences the market pricing of transportation, contributing to relative stability. In the near future, the situation is expected to remain unchanged until there is a significant increase in cargo volumes or changes in the global logistics system.
In the Azov Sea, the freight market continues to face challenges due to extremely low transport activity. The main constraints remain adverse weather conditions, including ice formation and reduced draft. Shipowners are unable to raise freight rates due to the limited availability of cargo, leading to market stagnation. An additional pressure factor is the dominance of small cargo consignments, which reduces the profitability of transportation for larger shipowners. Regional characteristics, such as short routes and specific port infrastructure, also influence pricing. As a result, the market remains in a state of depression, forcing shipowners to operate at the edge of cost-effectiveness. In the foreseeable future, no significant changes are expected until weather conditions improve and export volumes increase.
