News of the freight market as of 27.10.2025

The Black Sea market is showing steady activity due to stable supplies of grain and food cargoes, which remain the main driver of tonnage demand. Shippers are actively forming shipments of corn and wheat, which maintains a high level of loading for shipowners and does not allow rates to decrease. Despite the fact that the tonnage supply is gradually increasing, shipowners are not ready to make concessions, relying on a strong export flow and limited availability of available vessels. The weather factor has an additional impact on the market, especially the deterioration of conditions in ports and straits, which lengthens the turnover time of the fleet. Shippers continue to show interest in short-term contracts, seeking to lock in vessels before the beginning of next month, when new crop corn activity is expected to increase. Freight negotiations remain tense as ship owners hold their ground amid an increasing number of inquiries. In the short term, it is predicted that the current dynamics will continue, with a possible slight increase in rates as export flows expand and tonnage is limited.

In the Mediterranean Sea, the situation remains stable: the activity of the parties has leveled off, and the balance between supply and demand is maintained at a moderate level. Shippers are trying to fix conditions last week, while shipowners are trying to achieve a gradual increase in rates based on steady loading and seasonal factors. The main role in shaping the market situation is played by the grain flow, which compensates for the decrease in activity for other types of cargo, including mineral raw materials and metal products. Shipowners are using the shortage of open vessels to increase profitability on individual routes, but charterers have so far successfully restrained growth by forming point deals for certain cargoes. Logistics remains an important factor: the slowdown in transshipment at individual ports creates temporary overloads and affects the deadlines for fulfilling contracts. A gradual increase in grain shipments is expected in the coming weeks, which will give the market the opportunity to maintain stability and prevent a reduction in rates.

High volatility remains in the Sea of Azov, with a general trend towards strengthening rates. Shippers record an active demand for grain transportation, but the limited number of available vessels creates increased competition for tonnage. Despite periodic attempts on the part of buyers to reduce the level of rates, shipowners maintain a tough position, citing heavy loading and high costs. Activity is supported by a stable flow of grain cargoes, but weather and navigation conditions, including congestion in the straits, affect the rhythm of flights and create temporary delays. Some contracts are concluded at inflated rates, reflecting an attempt by shipowners to take advantage of favorable market conditions. Shippers are forced to adapt by shortening decision-making times and reserving ships in advance. It is expected that rates will continue to rise in the near future if export volumes remain at the current level and there is no noticeable increase in tonnage supply.