5 week: Russian River, Azov Sea, Caspian Sea; Coaster shipments

Unfavorable weather conditions in the Black Sea region have sharpened interest in river-sea type tonnage for shipments from the Azov ports in the Russian Federation. For a long time, due to the closed Kerch Strait, a large congestion has formed at TFK-1 in waiting for ice convoy. Even after the opening of the strait, the waiting time was about 2-3 days. As a result, due to delays in the rotation, the lack of tonnage only increased on the 5th week.

The expectations of some Charterers for a reduction in freight rates in the first half of February were not met. The average level of freight is about USD 40-42 per ton of wheat on the basis of the voyage from Rostov to 1 port of the Marmara Sea for vessels ready for loading before February 10.

All market participants are interested in freight rates for the second half of February. Currently, wheat and corn that are covered by the quota and duty are mainly shipped from the Azov Sea ports. Such cargoes as bran, sfs meal, sweet beet pulp and others are still on pause, with the rare exception for those who may offer competitive rates.