The dry bulk market presented a mixed picture this week across vessel segments. While Capesize rates saw firmer support, the Panamax sector remained cautious but showed signs of life in the Pacific. Supramax activity was stable, with minor gains in select regions.
Capesize
In the Capesize sector, C5 activity remained stable with miners and operators targeting loading dates from 20 August onwards. Volumes out of East Australia have held steady compared to last week. In the Atlantic, C3 enquiries from Brazil and West Africa are focused on September dates, with spot availability in the Pacific tightening.
- C5 Rates: Concluding near mid USD 10 pmt
- C3 Bids: Generally in the low to mid USD 23 pmt range
- C3 Offers: Hovering at USD 24 pmt and above
While ballaster supply is gradually increasing, the Pacific tightness is lending some support to overall sentiment.
Panamax
The Panamax segment reflected a divided market this week. In the North Atlantic, limited fresh demand led to further softening. The South Atlantic hinted at possible support but failed to gain momentum, keeping sentiment flat.
However, mid-week improvements were observed in the Pacific, supported by rising demand from Australia and Indonesia and stronger paper levels. This led some owners to hold back offers, although the long tonnage list kept charterers in a selective mode.
- Period interest is improving, hinting at a potential rebound
- Optimism is returning slowly, particularly in the East
Supramax
Supramax activity remained relatively subdued across the Atlantic, though the US Gulf was a bright spot, driving firmer numbers for both Transatlantic (TA) and Front-Haul (FH) voyages.
The Continent–Mediterranean region showed mixed signals, possibly buoyed by the US Gulf’s strength. In Asia, the usual North–South divide held, with solid fixtures noted out of NOPAC.
- Period market remains active with a few fresh enquiries
Gradual firming trend seen but no aggressive upswing yet - Did you subscribe to our Daily newsletter?
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Source: Fearnleys
