Baltic Sea coaster market held out long, but it goes through really tough time now

摘要

The situation has worsened noticeably on the North European coaster shipping market. The pace of trade has decreased significantly,which is primarily referred to the current global epidemiological situation. Note that demand for such fleet was strong last week andtherefore March tonnage list is limited. Moreover, brisk shipments on a contract basis still provide vessels with work. Therefore, the tonnagesupply remains small in the region, though the slowdown of already dull spot cargo traffic is already noticeable. Owners are now activelylooking for cargoes. In their turn, charterers often prefer to wait and see. Pressure on rates is already quite considerable in the regionand deals are often negotiated €1-2/t lower compared to last week.###cfi-no.13_2020_03_30