The latest Fearnpulse market update highlights a steady and resilient week for dry bulk segments, with the Capesize, Panamax, and Supramax markets showing a mix of firm fundamentals and region-specific shifts driven by demand, tightening tonnage, and improving Atlantic activity. The report underscores how wider dry bulk dynamics continue to evolve ahead of the year-end period, shaping expectations for market participants focused on maritime freight trends, shipping operations, and global commodity flows.
Capesize: Tightening Tonnage Supports Momentum
Analysts at Fearnpulse note increased inquiry from miners and operators for mid-December dates on the C5 route. Activity from East Australia and across the Pacific picked up compared to last week.
On the C3 Brazil and West Africa routes, most interest centered around the second half of December, with some forward positions for early January.
Ballaster supply is tightening for mid-December, while available spot ships in the Far East remain limited.
Midweek fixtures settled near USD 11.00 pmt, and late-December C3 movements concluded in the low-to-mid USD 24 pmt range.
These trends signal growing support for freight levels as the basin heads into peak-season scheduling.
Panamax: Atlantic Strength Lifts Market Confidence
Fearnpulse reports that the Panamax sector maintained a firm tone through the week.
The Atlantic stayed well supported by steady grain and coal demand from the U.S. Gulf and East Coast. This kept fronthaul sentiment positive, even as bid-offer spreads widened on nearby trans-Atlantic voyages.
The South Atlantic eased slightly, but the North Atlantic retained strength due to limited prompt tonnage.
In the Pacific, Indonesian and Japanese demand sustained healthy inquiry levels against a tightening list, pushing owners to hold firmer ideas as charterers competed to secure early positions.
Chinese buying slowed slightly, but broader fundamentals remain constructive, and forward pricing still implies room for additional upside approaching year-end.
Supramax/Handysize: Flat Sentiment with Regional Variation
The Supramax and Handysize markets showed a more muted performance.
In the Atlantic, Supramax values softened, especially from the U.S. Gulf and East Mediterranean.
Activity in the West Mediterranean and parts of South America remained stable but thin.
Asia showed a slightly brighter tone for Supramaxes thanks to steady southern demand. Even so, momentum stayed mild.
Handysize markets followed a similar trend, with balanced conditions in the Continent and Mediterranean. Softer expectations emerged in the South Atlantic and U.S. Gulf, while Asian activity slowed due to regional holidays.
Overall, both segments moved sideways without clear directional drivers.
Market Snapshot
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Capesize TCE Cont/Far East: USD 52,528
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Australia/China: USD 10.96 pmt
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Panamax Transatlantic RV: USD 18,659
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Supramax Transatlantic RV: USD 22,584
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1-Year T/C: Newcastlemax at USD 27,640; Panamax at USD 15,000
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Baltic Dry Index: 2,401, up 92 points
These indicators reinforce the current stability across dry bulk segments. Atlantic demand supports Panamax and Supramax confidence, while tightening tonnage drives strength in larger Capesizes. With the year closing in, market participants continue to monitor balancing factors, including holiday-related slowdowns, commodity program timing, and position lists across basins.
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Source: Fearnpulse
