+380 67 625 91 65The Black Sea is characterized by a weakening of freight activity due to a reduction in cargo supply and a slowdown in grain exports, which reduces the need for tonnage from shippers. Shipowners have noted an increase in waiting times and limited opportunities for new voyages, since most requests are made irregularly and mainly for short distances. Amid the uncertainty, market participants are cautiously approaching negotiations, and any attempts to raise rates are met with resistance from shippers. Weather risks and periodic news about disruptions to logistics chains increase tensions, making it difficult to plan operations. Despite individual shipments of industrial raw materials, the overall market remains in a state of balance with a downward bias. In the coming weeks, the market is likely to depend on the resumption of stable corn exports and increased activity of shippers, which may slightly support rates.
The Mediterranean Sea is showing pressure on freight rates due to an increase in the number of vessels in search of loading, with moderate activity by shippers. The volume of offers for industrial and agricultural cargoes remains limited, which increases competition among shipowners. The accumulated fleet of free tonnage leads to the fact that owners try to register faster in order to avoid downtime, lowering their expectations for the level of freight. In some ports, there are delays related to weather conditions and infrastructure load, which further complicates the work of shipowners. Nevertheless, stable flows of certain categories of goods keep the market from falling sharply. In the short term, rates may remain under pressure until export activity increases, primarily in grain and fertilizers.
In the Sea of Azov, the freight market is being formed in the context of a seasonal reduction in the cargo base and limited shipping availability. Shippers minimize loadings and form requests irregularly, which reduces fleet turnover and reduces the bargaining power of shipowners. At the same time, weather factors have a particularly strong impact on traffic schedules, which leads to schedule disruptions and forces shipowners to take additional risks. Tonnage remains excessive relative to current demand, which leads to competition at the rate level and increased flexibility on the part of ship owners. Periodic logistical difficulties at ports also reduce the speed of operations, limiting opportunities for increased activity. It is expected that the market will maintain a soft dynamic until export shipments recover and weather conditions improve, which may create prerequisites for a partial strengthening of freight rates..