The dry bulk market kept on rising back to healthier levels yesterday, with the BDI (Baltic Dry Index) the industry’s benchmark, marking its 8th straight increase. Yesterday, the BDI ended the session up by 1.4% to 798 points. Apart from the Capesize market, which was relatively stable (marginal retreat of just 0.07% to 1,515 points), all other ship segments were higher. The Supramax market kept up its strong rebound, rising yesterday by 2.79% to 810 points, while the smaller Handysize segment was also higher, by 1.79%.
The latest weekly report from Fearnleys, referring to the Capesize market, it mentioned that «with endless numbers of units appearing, primarily in Far East, there is presently no short-term hope for this segment. Not even significant volatility can be expected, for the same reason. Despite increasing bunker prices and fixing activity, conference trades like WAust/China still stand at below USD 8 pmt - giving daily returns much closer to zero than what is required to cover OPEX. For many owners, the most relevant alternatives are now idling tonnage to save cost/limits risks OR secure period employment – the latter still offering returns the double of spot earnings. Period activity is presently low as paper values give little support - representative fixtures include 175k dwt/blt 2011 done for 6-9 months at USD 12,350 basis delivery China prompt, also 182k dwt/blt 2010 delivery China prompt for 14-18 months at a reported USD 14500» said Fearnleys.
In a similar report, shipbroker Shiptrade Services had mentioned that «owners were hoping to build upon the previous week's positivity but more or less things remained the same. Market’s stability is reflected upon the average TC routes which stand at USD 5,979 slightly decreased from last week figure. Since the majors were not capable to rise up fresh cargoes and over supply of tonnage remained, the Transatlantic round still suffers with the rates remaining below USD 5,000 per day. Surprisingly, many owners preferred the fronthaul trips which dominated the market with some fresh orders but on lower levels than last week with charterers paying USD 20.00 pmt and owners asking for USD 21. Pacific followed the same pace as last week and although iron ore majors in West Australia continued to take tonnage market remained stable. Voyages to Qingdao were fixed at USD 7,90 pmt and USD 14,00 pmt from Saldanha Bay. On the period side situation remained flat although charterers were interested in taking tonnage and rates ranging around USD 12,000 levels.



In a note to clients yesterday, Commodore Research & Consultancy said that China's coal-dedicated Daqin Railway, which rails domestic coal (mined in western China) to the eastern port of Qinhuangdao, is set to undergo scheduled maintenance beginning around March 19th. This maintenance will last for approximately 30 days, during which time the rail line will be
down for 3 to 4 hours per day. With the Daqin Railway being down for such a long period of time, domestic coal rail shipments to Qinhuangdao will decline by a total of 4.5 to 7.5 million tons. «By the end of April, we expect Qinhuangdao coal port stockpiles will come under significant pressure and approach the critically low 5mt level. Right now, stockpiles are at a robust 8mt. The upcoming maintenance will put great pressure on Qinhuangdao stockpiles, and will lead to a significant increase in demand for imported thermal coal cargoes. Qinhuangdao is China's largest hub for coastal coal shipments. It is the loading port for approximately 40% of China's coastal coal shipments» said Commodore Research & Consultancy.
Commenting on the Supra/Handy markets, Fearnleys also stated that «the Atlantic Supra market continued its flat trend from last week, even with a touch of more cargoes in the market. Skaw/Passero positions fixed tick below USD 3k to US Gulf, and US Gulf positions were paid around USD 10k back to Cont. Fronthauls concluded at the USD 12k range. The Pacific market has remained firm. For Indo-India, large eco Supra can fetch close to USD 12k dop South China. Premium cargoes like nickel ore are also more and vessels for nickel ore rounds fixed at USD 15k dely North China. Nopac also fixed around USD 11k dop Japan. Indian iron ore market remains quiet with less activity on WCI & ECI. WCI-China rates around USD 10k and ECI-China around USD 8k. RBCT rv fixed at APS USD 10k + BB USD 300k, however very few cargoes seen as there is huge gap between owners and Chrtrs ideas. Red Sea fertilizers to India are fixed high teens. Not much activity seen on short period and rates are around USD 10k for large Supra» concluded Fearnleys.
Nikos Roussanoglou, Hellenic Shipping News Worldwide