News of the freight market as of 06.10.2025

There is a steady increase in business activity in the Black Sea area. The main factor is the expansion of export shipments of grain crops, especially new-harvest Ukrainian corn, which has created increased demand for tonnage and significantly reduced the availability of vessels in the small and medium-capacity segment. Shippers demonstrate their willingness to accept higher freight rates in order to secure vessels in conditions of limited supply. At the same time, shipowners actively use the situation to their advantage, promoting new bid levels and showing less flexibility in negotiations. The market is also supported by the steady flow of wheat from the ports of the region, which increases competition between shippers. Despite a slight decrease in activity by the end of the week, the overall market remains positive, and the upward trend is expected to continue due to the seasonal peak in grain exports.

The Mediterranean Sea market is characterized by a moderate increase in activity while maintaining cautious optimism on the part of shipowners. The main shipments are steel, mineral cargoes and grain, while some contracts are concluded at the level of last week. Shippers show limited interest in new deals, preferring a wait-and-see attitude, which constrains the overall rate of rate growth. Shipowners, in turn, are trying to strengthen their positions based on the positive background from the Black Sea, where activity is higher. At the same time, the market remains fairly balanced, and a shortage of tonnage is observed only in individual ports. In the short term, it is likely that the current rate level will remain unchanged with minor fluctuations, as steady cargo traffic compensates for local periods of reduced activity.

There is still a high demand for river and sea vessels in the Sea of Azov against the background of active wheat exports. The low water level in Rostov and Azov complicates the work of the fleet, reducing the available number of vessels and contributing to a further increase in rates. Shippers continue to show willingness to accept freight increases in order to ensure the export of products on time, especially along the routes to the Caspian and Turkish destinations. Shipowners, in turn, take advantage of the shortage of tonnage and seek to secure more favorable chartering conditions. Despite some signals of market saturation, the balance remains on the side of shipowners, especially for vessels with a lower draft. The forecast for the near term assumes a continuation of the upward trend in rates, with possible stabilization after normalization of water levels and completion of peak grain shipments.