Freight rates for grain transportation from Ukraine remain stable, reported Pavlo Lysenko, ASAP Agri analyst, Atria Brokers freight broker.

Despite some positive rate adjustments seen last week on particular routes, it remains difficult for Handysize owners to secure an upward trend in mid-September as the cargo/tonnage balance stays in the charterers’ favor. Thus, freight for Handysize vessels carrying corn from POC ports to East Coast Italy hold steady at 21-22 USD/MT.

Pavlo Lysenko explained that this week Coaster segment is seeing an influx of fresh grain cargo orders from Ukraine; however, these volumes are still easily absorbed by the available tonnage in the Black Sea, keeping rates stable. The freight of coaster with corn from Ukrainian Danube ports to East Coast Italy remain at 26-28 USD/MT.

Freights for Panamax vessels carrying corn or wheat from POC ports to South China stay unchanged at 48-50 USD/MT.

No positive shifts are seen for barge owners as grain cargo flow from Ukrainian ports remains extremely limited. However, ongoing draft issues on the Danube River continue to support owners in maintaining their position, allowing them to keep rates stable. The freight for corn transportation from Reni or Izmail to Constanta stays at 10 EUR/MT.

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