News of the freight market as of 13.10.2025

There is a steady increase in freight activity in the Black Sea area, driven by an increase in cargo volumes both in the forward and reverse directions. Shippers are actively forming new shipments, and the market is experiencing a shortage of suitable vessels, especially in the medium tonnage segment. Shipowners are using the situation to their advantage, gradually raising rates, which has already had a noticeable effect on the level of current charters. At the same time, the demand for transportation is growing faster than the fleet’s supply, which increases competition for affordable vessels and creates additional pressure on the market. Rates are rising in all directions, and major ports, including Marmara, are already operating at elevated levels. The mood of the participants remains optimistic: if the current sales volume and active trade are maintained, the growth trend will continue. The forecast for next week indicates a further strengthening of the market with a likely increase in bids by several dollars, although the dynamics will depend on the intensity of trading and the availability of the fleet.

In the Mediterranean, the freight market continues to strengthen due to increased demand from shippers and the stabilization of activity after the summer recession. Shipowners use the favorable market conditions to gradually increase rates, which is accompanied by an increase in the number of concluded transactions. The main interest remains in the transportation of fertilizers and metal products, as well as in short-term contracts for agricultural goods. At the same time, the balance between supply and demand remains relatively stable, allowing us to maintain a positive mood in the market. Some shipowners are increasingly considering expanding routes within the region, seeking to take advantage of opportunities to optimize fleet utilization. The forecast for the coming weeks indicates the continuation of a moderate increase in rates with a stable volume of cargo flows and the absence of significant external pressure factors.

In the Sea of Azov, the market is showing signs of cooling after a prolonged period of rising rates. The decrease in activity is due to a weakening of wheat exports and a decrease in demand from Turkish buyers. At the same time, weather conditions are gradually returning to normal, which contributes to an increase in the number of available vessels and a reduction in waiting times at ports. Shipowners are increasingly making concessions in negotiations, trying to keep fleet utilization at an acceptable level. The situation in river ports remains difficult, as there is a shortage of ships for shipments to southern destinations, especially to Iranian ports. It is expected that the market will continue to stabilize in the coming weeks, and freight rates will gradually decrease to more realistic levels.