Lull persists on North European coaster market

摘要

Negative sentiment is reported on the Baltic Sea coaster market. In general, this period usually shows a seasonal upturn in shipments of main cargoes, but this year’s increase looks unlikely, partly due to difficult geopolitical situation. Some players report only the recovery of grain shipments from Europe, but this fact has so far not impacted the overall market picture noticeably. ISM sources continue to note the cargo/tonnage imbalance. The spot market remains dull and deals are often signed out of the market. The cargo offer ex Russian ports is also modest. Freight levels do not show any major shifts so far. The situation is also tense in the Continent, but a bit better than in the Baltic Sea.