Market Insights 26 Feb 2026

MID-SHIP Cement Report – February 26, 2026

Market Overview:  Dry bulk freight markets delivered a mixed but generally steady performance today, with trends varying across vessel classes and regions. In the Capesize segment, the BCI 5TC eased marginally by $23 to $29,088, reflecting a Pacific market that has largely stabilized. Activity remained consistent, with major miners and operators concluding fixtures in the […]

Market Insights 11 Feb 2026

MID-SHIP Alumina/Bauxite – February 11, 2026

Market Overview:  The dry bulk market continued to diverge across vessel segments, with Atlantic strength offsetting softer Asian conditions. Handysizes saw further gains as the BHSI rose to 657, supported by a firm Atlantic, where tight February tonnage and steady trans Atlantic demand kept sentiment positive. Limited inquiry in the Continent and Mediterranean produced only […]

Market Insights 05 Feb 2026

MID-SHIP Petcoke Report – February 5, 2026

Market overview:   The dry bulk market experienced a subdued session overall to start this week, with activity levels remaining thin across most segments. Sentiment varied by basin, though the Atlantic continued to display comparatively firmer undertones than Asia. In the Handysize sector, conditions remained quiet, with limited fresh fixing emerging. The BHSI closed at 626, […]

Market Insights 05 Feb 2026

MID-SHIP Report: Dry Bulk Freight Market – February 5, 2026

As we move deeper into Q1, it is becoming clear that 2026 is not shaping up to be the smooth freight market correction many expected. Fleet growth is real and visible, but geopolitical risk, trade-route disruption, and shifting commodity flows continue to absorb effective capacity and support freight levels. The key theme remains: distance over […]

Market Insights 29 Jan 2026

MID-SHIP Fertilizer – January 29, 2026

Market Overview: For the Handysize market, extending the upward momentum from the previous session, the market maintained a firm footing, supported by broadly positive sentiment across all key loading areas. The BHSI rose to 609, while the 7TC average climbed by $77 to $10,956, underscoring a gradual but consistent improvement in earnings. Trading in the […]

Market Insights 20 Jan 2026

MID-SHIP Cement Report – January 20, 2026

Market Overview:  The dry bulk markets showed a firmer tone midweek, led by notable gains across the Supramax/Ultramax and Panamax segments. Supramax/Ultramax rates moved upward, supported by improved sentiment in both the Atlantic and Pacific. While the South Atlantic remained steady on abundant tonnage, Mediterranean activity strengthened, helped by accumulating cement cargoes. Period interest was […]

Market Insights 14 Jan 2026

MID-SHIP Report: Dry Bulk Freight Market – January 14, 2026

Welcome to 2026!! While we have a new number to put into all our emails, the start of 2026 feels a lot like early 2025 when it comes to government actions and macroeconomic policies raising a palpable level of uncertainty in the freight market. Last year’s wave of trade-related initiatives, rolled out by the United States […]

Market Insights 13 Jan 2026

MID-SHIP Alumina/Bauxite – January 13, 2026

Market Overview:  The dry bulk market saw another muted week, with sentiment soft across all segments. Handysize: The BHSI fell 6 points to 593, and the 7TC average slipped to $10,675. The Continent and Mediterranean remained positional, with rates below prior levels; Captain D fixed Barcelona – Constanza at $9,000. South Atlantic fundamentals stabilized, while […]

Market Insights 07 Jan 2026

MID-SHIP Petcoke Report – January 7, 2026

Market overview:   Handysize rates softened further, with the BHSI at 624 and 7TC averaging $11,229/day. Activity in the Continent, Med, and U.S. Gulf remains muted amid abundant spot/prompt ships, while South Atlantic fixtures held near $16,000/day for trips to Europe and Morocco. Asian sentiment stays weak despite some fresh demand. Supramax values continued to slide, […]

Market Insights 15 Dec 2025

MID-SHIP Fertilizer – December 15, 2025

Market Overview: We ended the prior week for Capes (180,000 DWT) on Friday, December 5, at $42,151, up from $37,158 the week before. Last Monday, we stood at $41,571 (up from $37,840 the previous Monday), then decreased to $35,527 mid-week, and finished at an even lower rate of $30,731 on December 12. The Time Charter […]

Market Insights 03 Dec 2025

MID-SHIP Report: Dry Bulk Freight Market – December 3, 2025

Cape-size vessels have been on a tear in recent weeks. Reaching $44,700 in the time charter averages. Up from $9,100 at the start of the year. The year has been volatile for our biggest bulkers, but the trend has been and remains upward. The Cape market went parabolic in December 2025. Today’s Baltic Exchange forward […]

Market Insights 01 Dec 2025

MID-SHIP Cement Report – December 1, 2025

Market Overview:  We ended three weeks ago for Capes (180,000 DWT) on Friday, November 14, at $26,968, down from $27,709 the week prior. Monday, November 17, we stood at $27,597 (up slightly from $27,063 the previous Monday), averaged $30,154 mid-week, and finished at $30,292 on November 21. The Time Charter Average begins this week at […]

Market Insights 19 Nov 2025

MID-SHIP Report: Dry Bulk Freight Market – November 19, 2025

The Cape market remains resilient, with C3 ore fixtures in the mid-to-upper 24s, pushing rates up by about a dollar over the past week on fronthaul Brazil-China runs. The Panamax sector is showing signs of improvement, with more support emerging in the Atlantic, while the Pacific remains broadly stable. Activity levels have picked up modestly, […]

Market Insights 17 Nov 2025

MID-SHIP Petcoke Report – November 17, 2025

Market overview:   We ended the prior week for Capes (180,000 DWT) on Friday, November 7, at $27,709, up from $24,288 the week before. Last Monday, we stood at $27,063 (up from $23,955 the previous Monday), averaged $25,067 mid-week, and finished at $26,968 on November 14. The Time Charter Average begins this week at $27,597. The […]

Market Insights 10 Nov 2025

MID-SHIP Cement Report – November 10, 2025

Market Overview:  We ended the prior week for Capes (180,000 DWT) on Friday, October 31, at $24,288, up from $23,811 the week before. The market saw an increase throughout the previous week and ended the week on a positive note. On Monday, we stood at $23,955 (up slightly from $23,534 the previous Monday), averaged $25,573 […]

Market Insights 03 Nov 2025

MID-SHIP Fertilizer – November 3, 2025

Market Overview: We ended the prior week for Capes (180,000 DWT) on Friday, October 24, at $23,811, down from $25,882 the week before. The market faced unstable conditions from Monday through Wednesday before regaining momentum and ending the week on a positive note. On Monday, we stood at $23,534 (down from $25,944 the previous Monday), […]

Market Insights 27 Oct 2025

MID-SHIP Alumina/Bauxite – October 27, 2025

Market Overview:  We ended the prior week for Capes 180,000 DWT on Friday, October 17, at $25,882 (up from $23,216 a week earlier). The market moved up from Monday to Wednesday and then trailed off a bit during the balance of the week. On Monday, last week, we were at $25,944 (down from $28,132 the […]

Market Insights 20 Oct 2025

MID-SHIP Petcoke Report – October 20, 2025

Market overview:   We ended the prior week for Capes 180,000 DWT on Friday, October 10th, at $23,216 (up from $22,595 a week earlier). The market moved up on Monday and then trailed off a bit during the balance of the week. On Monday, last week, we were at $28,132 (up from $23,453 the prior Monday). […]

Market Insights 14 Oct 2025

MID-SHIP Cement Report – October 14, 2025

Market Overview:  We ended the week for Capes 180,000 DWT on Friday, October 3, at $22,595. The market moved up during the week. On Monday, last week, we were at $23,453. The average was $24,252 by mid-week and ended the week at $23,216. The Time Charter Average starts this week at $28,122. Monday’s FFA forward […]

Market Insights 08 Oct 2025

MID-SHIP Report: Dry Bulk Freight Market – October 8 2025

With China returning from a week-long national holiday, the market’s near-term direction is taking shape. Capesize was active last week, but a significant decline in rates was observed. Fortunately, this week is more optimistic, and good volumes of Brazilian, West African Iron ore, and Bauxite continue to support improvements. China and its economic developments continue […]

Market Insights 06 Oct 2025

MID-SHIP Fertilizer – October 6, 2025

Market Overview: We ended the week for Capes 180,000 DWT on Friday, September 26, at $30,076. The market was volatile to the downside throughout the week. On Monday, last week, we were at $29,228. The average was $23,968 by mid-week and ended the week at $22,595. The Time Charter Average starts this week at $23,453. […]

Market Insights 29 Sep 2025

MID-SHIP Alumina/Bauxite – September 29, 2025

Market Overview:  As we enter October, the dry bulk freight market presents a mixed picture, with strong spot rates across all segments tempered by historical seasonal headwinds. October has traditionally been a softer month for dry bulk freight, with the Baltic Dry Index declining in nine of the past ten years during this period. This […]

Market Insights 22 Sep 2025

MID-SHIP Petcoke Report – September 22, 2025

Market overview:   We ended the week for Capes 180,000 DWT on Friday, September 12, at $25,457, down from $27,376 on Friday one week ago. The market was volatile to the upside throughout the week. On Monday, last week, we were at $26,156 (down from $28,152 one week earlier). The average was $27,366 by mid-week (down […]

Market Insights 15 Sep 2025

MID-SHIP Cement Report – September 15, 2025

Market Overview:  We ended the week for Capes 180,000 DWT on Friday, September 5, at $27,376, up nicely from $24,257 in our last report one week ago. The market was volatile to the upside throughout the week. On Monday, last week, we were at $28,152 compared to $24,455 one week earlier. The average was $29,505 […]

Market Insights 12 Sep 2025

MID-SHIP Report: Dry Bulk Freight Market – September 12 2025

Fundamentally, the market remains consistent with early 2025 conditions, characterized by a mature commodity cycle and potentially reduced volumes of both major and minor bulks, uncertainty due to geopolitical risk (Russia-Ukraine, Gaza, India-Pakistan), and the U.S. government’s global trade negotiations. The vessel fleet continues to grow moderately. The largest vessels are enjoying a favorable supply-demand […]

Market Insights 08 Sep 2025

MID-SHIP Fertilizer – September 8, 2025

Market Overview: We ended the week for Capes 180,000 DWT on Friday, August 29, at $24,257, down from $27,323 in our last report two weeks ago. The market was volatile throughout the week, trading in a narrow range and picking up from Thursday to Friday, similar to the prior week. On Monday, last week, we […]

Market Insights 26 Aug 2025

MID-SHIP Alumina/Bauxite – August 26, 2025

Market Overview:  We ended the week for Capes 180,000 DWT on Friday August 15th at $27,323 (down from $27,716 the prior Friday). The market was down slightly throughout the trading week, with reoccurring theme of an uptick from Thursday to Friday similar to the prior week. On Monday, last week we were at $26,638 (down […]

Market Insights 18 Aug 2025

MID-SHIP Petcoke Report – August 18, 2025

Market overview:   We ended the week for Capes 180,000 DWT on Friday, August 8, at $27,716 (up from $27,331 the prior Friday). The market was down slightly throughout the trading week, but ended on an uptick from Thursday to Friday, similar to the prior week. On Monday, last week, we were at $27,506 (down from […]

Market Insights 11 Aug 2025

MID-SHIP Cement Report – August 11, 2025

Market Overview:  A slow start to the week for Cape-size, with Sentiment sluggish ahead of the USA/Russia Summit this week. Panamax trades within a narrow range within both basins, maintaining a fine balance between vessel supply and cargo inquiries nearby. Supra/Ultra’s, like Panamax, are trading firm within a narrow range, with an improved USG front […]

Market Insights 04 Aug 2025

MID-SHIP Fertilizer – August 4, 2025

Market Overview: The Cape market was off almost $4,500 daily on the time charter average to end the week-over-week trading. Panamax was softer. Supra’s down in a narrow range. Handy-sizes continue in full-blown summer mode, lacking luster, trading down in a narrow range. Last week was a busy week for U.S. Trade negotiations. The U.S. […]

Market Insights 29 Jul 2025

MID-SHIP Fertilizer – July 29, 2025

Market Overview: Summertime is in full swing. It was a quiet start to the week, with limited activity reported across both the Atlantic and Pacific basins. Capes are looking for direction. Panamax, Supra, and Handy suffer from a growing vessel list nearby. It has become a three-day trading market, from Tuesday to Thursday. Top U.S. […]

Market Insights 21 Jul 2025

MID-SHIP Alumina/Bauxite – July 21, 2025

Market Overview:  The summer season is in full swing, and many decision makers have been off on holidays in recent weeks and are expected to be in the coming weeks. The Cape-size market continued its positive momentum last week and continued in the new trading session at the start of this week. Panamax markets were […]

Market Insights 14 Jul 2025

MID-SHIP Petcoke Report – July 14, 2025

Market overview:   The Capesize market commenced the week on a positive note, despite relatively subdued activity levels. The BCI 5TC recorded a significant increase of $2,180, reaching $19,633, indicating robust sentiment across both the Atlantic and Pacific basins. The Panamax and Supramax segments maintained their upward momentum at the week’s outset, supported by strong demand […]

Market Insights 07 Jul 2025

MID-SHIP Cement Report – July 7, 2025

Market Overview:  Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with all those who have tragically lost their lives and loved ones and those profoundly affected by the recent flash floods in Texas. The devastation caused by this natural disaster is deeply saddening, and we stand in solidarity with the affected communities during this challenging time. The […]

Market Insights 02 Jul 2025

MID-SHIP Fertilizer – July 2, 2025

Market Overview: It was a slow news day in the freight market, as summertime conditions and the pending Independence Day holiday tempered activity. The past week was mixed with Capes down, Panamax up a tick, Supra up within a narrow range, and Handies neutral across both basins. The Trump administration dominates the headlines across the […]

Market Insights 26 Jun 2025

MID-SHIP Alumina/Bauxite – June 26, 2025

Market Overview:  The past week was positive, trading within a narrow range for all sizes except Cape size, where rates took a hit at the end of last week — the Cape size time charter average moved from $30,950 down to $23,400 per day. All other sizes, Panamax, Supra-Ultra, and Handies, traded up within a […]

Market Insights 18 Jun 2025

MID-SHIP Petcoke Report – June 18, 2025

Market overview:   The past week was positive, albeit trading within a narrow range for all sizes except Cape size, which continues to outperform — the Cape size Time Charter average moved from $24,900 to about $30,950 per day. The Cape size market has been up substantially over the past two weeks. The fortunes of the […]

Market Insights 12 Jun 2025

MID-SHIP Cement Report – June 12, 2025

Market Overview:  The dry bulk market this week is characterized by stable Cape size rates driven by iron ore demand, improved Panamax rates (albeit at low levels historically speaking), Supra’s unexciting, while spot rates for Handy size bulkers sailing from the U.S. Gulf Coast surged to a near seven-month high and broader challenges from positional […]

Market Insights 05 Jun 2025

MID-SHIP Report: Dry Bulk Freight Market – June 5 2025

Fundamentally, the market remains consistent with early 2025 conditions, characterized by a mature commodity cycle and potentially reduced volumes of both major and minor bulks, uncertainty due to geopolitical risk (Russia-Ukraine, Gaza, India-Pakistan), and the U.S. government’s global trade negotiations. The vessel fleet continues to grow moderately. The largest vessels are enjoying a favorable supply-demand balance […]

Market Insights 04 Jun 2025

MID-SHIP Fertilizer – June 4, 2025

Market Overview: The Summer season is upon us. Cape-size operators have run well this past week, while all other sectors operate at low levels. The U.S. Administration’s ‘fluid’ tariff policy is wreaking havoc with newly increased tariffs on steel and aluminum to start the new week. Flooding in Western Australia is affecting Coal logistics for […]

Market Insights 22 May 2025

MID-SHIP Report: Dry Bulk Freight Market – May 22, 2025

The Capesize market continued its upward trend, with the BCI 5TC rising to $15,605, driven by strong iron ore demand from Western Australia to China and renewed activity from major miners. Rates on the C5 route ranged from $8.20 to $8.45, while the C3 index also climbed, reflecting increased activity in the South Atlantic. Notable […]

Market Insights 21 May 2025

MID-SHIP Petcoke Report – May 21, 2025

Market overview:   Despite being finalized in April, the U.S. Trade Representative’s (USTR) new port fees targeting Chinese-built vessels continue to face strong backlash from the shipping industry, even during unrelated hearings on proposed crane tariffs. Industry groups like the World Shipping Council and the Chamber of Shipping of America argue the fees will raise costs […]

Market Insights 13 May 2025

MID-SHIP Cement Report – May 13, 2025

Market Overview:  With many participants in Copenhagen this week, it has been a relatively quiet start to the week for the dry bulk market. Overall, sentiment is cautiously optimistic. The consensus is that the market will improve on the back of the recent tariff news, which we have seen already in the Pacific, and talk […]

Market Insights 07 May 2025

MID-SHIP Report: Dry Bulk Freight Market – May 7, 2025

The Cape market continues to soften across both basins, with Chinese dry bulk demand under pressure and seaborne iron ore volumes plateauing in 2025. The outcome of U.S.-China trade negotiations remains critical to China, the broader dry bulk market, and the Cape market specifically. Despite a positive run since April 23, momentum was dampened by […]

Market Insights 06 May 2025

MID-SHIP Fertilizer – May 6, 2025

Market Overview: The overhang of holidays (May Day, Golden Week in Japan, April 29th/May 5th, and the UK Bank Holiday today) has kept a cap on market activities and the spot market. This lag was reflected in trading within a very narrow range last week and today to start the new trading session. As we […]

Market Insights 01 May 2025

Weekly Summary from MID-SHIP’s Operations Team – May 1, 2025

Market Insights 28 Apr 2025

MID-SHIP Alumina/Bauxite – April 28, 2025

Market Overview:  The week began slowly but positively, with the Geneva Dry Conference and the upcoming Mayday holidays on Thursday expected to cause some disruption. Uncertainty around U.S. trade policy and its impact on the global economy continues to drive the daily discourse and stunt activity in the U.S. Gulf. Several vessel Owners are commenting […]

Market Insights 23 Apr 2025

MID-SHIP Report: Dry Bulk Freight Market – April 23, 2025

Following the Easter break, naturally, it was a slower start to this week. We maintain our position of a recovery in freight rates for Cape-size vessels in the balance of the year, but rates will likely remain below 2024 levels. There is no escaping the early-year drag on what were already expected to be lower numbers […]

Market Insights 22 Apr 2025

MID-SHIP Petcoke Report – April 22, 2025

Market overview:   Uncertainty around U.S. trade policy and its impact on the global economy has stunted activity. On April 17, 2025, the U.S.T.R. Section 301 Maritime Action against Chinese dominance in the maritime sector announced the implementation of fees on Chinese-owned/operated vessels and Chinese-built ships starting in October 2025. The U.S.T.R.’s determination consists of four […]

Market Insights 14 Apr 2025

MID-SHIP Cement Report – April 14, 2025

Market Overview:  A very slow start to the new week due to the Passover and Easter holidays this week. Trump “world” continues to distract and disrupt our markets, as well as both the stock and bond markets, on top of geopolitical events: War in Ukraine, Middle East conflict(s), Houthis – Red Sea, AND The USTR […]

Market Insights 09 Apr 2025

MID-SHIP Report: Dry Bulk Freight Market – April 9, 2025

The Cape market has had a rough ride recently, with China fundamentals impacting demand and lowering daily rates. Interestingly, despite the recent declines, the Cape market time charter average today stands at $14,900+, up about 30% from the start of the year ($10,400 on January 2). Demonstrating the resilience of the Cape market due to […]

Market Insights 07 Apr 2025

MID-SHIP Fertilizer – April 7, 2025

Market Overview: There was a continuation of post-Liberation Day market trauma, with stock markets starting the week in a tailspin and commodity prices reacting to the changes brought about by U.S. tariffs and countermeasures, particularly China’s. We start the week as we ended last week: a sea of red. Last week, sentiment in the paper […]

Market Insights 31 Mar 2025

MID-SHIP Alumina/Bauxite – Mar 31, 2025

Market Overview:  While the dust is settling in the aftermath of last week’s U.S. Trade Representative hearing and pending final determination, on Wednesday this week, we await the declaration of reciprocal tariffs on all things by the U.S. Administration. The result has been muted business activity and positional volatility in the spot market, particularly in […]

Market Insights 26 Mar 2025

MID-SHIP Report: Dry Bulk Freight Market – Mar 26, 2025

The Capesize market is subject to demand from China as one of its main drivers, this month’s announcement of capacity cuts at steel mills challenges earlier forecasts of flat ore demand in 2025. Of late, Iron ore miners have had a low level of prompt inquiry in recent weeks, and rates have declined recently as evidenced […]

Market Insights 24 Mar 2025

MID-SHIP Petcoke Report – Mar 24, 2025

Market overview:   The U.S. Trade Representative hearing, held Monday and Wednesday this week, is currently overshadowing market news. Due to limited business activity on U.S. trades, market participants are negotiating potential fees for charterers’ accounts, premium fixed rates, or cancellation clauses. It is estimated that the proposed fees could affect up to 75% of U.S. […]

Market Insights 17 Mar 2025

MID-SHIP Cement Report – Mar 17, 2025

Market Overview:  The market remains active across all segments and regions despite the significant uncertainties. Factors impacting the dry bulk shipping market are shaped by economic, geopolitical, environmental, and industry-specific dynamics. The IMF forecasts global GDP growth at 3.2% for 2025, with China’s slowing growth juxtaposing India’s projected 6.5% growth. Escalating trade disputes, particularly U.S.-China […]

Market Insights 13 Mar 2025

MID-SHIP Report: Dry Bulk Freight Market – Mar 13, 2025

The Capesize market during the first two months of 2025, bulker newbuilding contracting dropped 92% year-on-year to the lowest level in at least 30 years, according to recent analysis from BIMCO. The Capesize market has experienced a notable upswing recently, driven by strong demand from miners and limited vessel availability. The Capesize index has seen […]

Market Insights 10 Mar 2025

MID-SHIP Fertilizer – Mar 10, 2025

Market Overview: Activity in the market remains quiet mainly due to ongoing uncertainty stemming from the US Trade Representative’s recent developments – The US administration has implemented significant trade policies, including a 25% tariff on imports from Mexico and Canada and a doubling of duties on Chinese goods to 20%. These measures have sparked trade […]

Market Insights 04 Mar 2025

MID-SHIP Alumina/Bauxite – Mar 4, 2025

Market Overview:  Today’s market activity has been subdued, reflecting a convergence of global holidays and ongoing uncertainty stemming from the U.S. Trade Representative’s recent developments – the actionable conclusion announced on January 16, followed by the February 21 announcement of potential measures to be taken targeting Chinese vessels, including substantial port charges – and the […]

Market Insights 27 Feb 2025

MID-SHIP Report: Dry Bulk Freight Market – Feb 27, 2025

The Capesize market shows signs of a seasonal rebound after a sluggish start to 2025. As of this week, the Capesize index (BCI) 5TC- a key benchmark averaging five time-charter routes – has climbed to around $11,584 per day, up sharply from $9,612 a week ago (a 21% jump). Spot rates are firming, with Brazil to […]

Market Insights 24 Feb 2025

MID-SHIP Petcoke Report – Feb 24, 2025

Market overview:   The dry bulk market demonstrated robust performance in 2024, fueled by strong demand for major commodities such as iron ore and coal and in the minor bulk trade for bauxite. This period also saw significant disruptions, including vessel rerouting due to challenges in the Red Sea and Panama Canal. Limited new-build deliveries and […]

Market Insights 18 Feb 2025

MID-SHIP Cement Report – Feb 18, 2025

Market Overview:  Last week’s headlines were dominated by the announcement of new U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum imports, set to take effect on March 12. Later in the week, the “Fair and Reciprocal Plan” was introduced via a Presidential Memorandum, mandating the development of a comprehensive plan to restore fairness in U.S. trade relationships […]

Market Insights 10 Feb 2025

MID-SHIP Fertilizer – Feb 10, 2025

Market Overview: Market Overview: It’s been a slow start to the week, with Capes trading off, Panamax sentiment mixed as demand disappoints, Supra’s looking up nearby as prompt vessels were covered last week, and Handy’s appearing positive, albeit in a narrow trading range. Trade Tariffs? A return to 2018/2019 or more of an escalation this […]

Market Insights 07 Feb 2025

MID-SHIP Report: Dry Bulk Freight Market – Feb 6, 2025

The new month and week start with more optimism in the forward curves. Today’s forward assessment points to significant improvements from the current low spot rates for Q’s 2/3/4 of 2025 across all segments, particularly the cape size. Wednesday’s forward assessment pointed to improvements for these largest bulkers of +108%, +170%, and +208% across the […]

Market Insights 03 Feb 2025

MID-SHIP Alumina/Bauxite – Feb 3, 2025

Market Overview:  It’s hard to believe we have already completed the first month of the new year. The new month and week start with a bit more optimism in the forward curves. Today’s forward assessment points to significant improvements off of the current low spot rates for Q’s 2/3/4 of 2025 across all segments. During […]

Market Insights 30 Jan 2025

MID-SHIP Petcoke Report – Jan 30, 2025

Market overview:   Today’s observance of the Australia Day holiday and this week’s Lunar New Year celebration—the year of the Snake, symbolizing Wisdom, intelligence, and insight, and most meaningful (hopefully) for the freight market is “renewal and transformation” for China in 2025—set the stage last week and this week for low levels of activity and a […]

Market Insights 23 Jan 2025

MID-SHIP Report: Dry Bulk Freight Market – Jan 23, 2025

The Cape-size market is quiet ahead of the Lunar New Year holiday next week. At present, while China imports record iron ore in the month of December, the market is well-supplied, and demand is declining. Cape rates languish at low levels not seen for some time, with vessel owners struggling to cover Opex in the […]

Market Insights 22 Jan 2025

MID-SHIP Cement Report – Jan 22, 2025

Market Overview:  Our markets continued mixed this week and last, and again, trading is confined to a narrow range, except for the cape market, which was up by mid-week and then declined into the week’s end and the start of the new work week. It was a short week in the USA due to the […]

Market Insights 09 Jan 2025

MID-SHIP Report: Dry Bulk Freight Market – Jan 9, 2025

At present, the dry bulk market continues to face challenges due to an oversupply of vessels and low activity levels as we recover from the year-end holidays and anticipate the upcoming Lunar New Year celebration. The themes discussed in our fourth-quarter reporting continue to impact the dry bulk market. China’s economic issues, particularly those related […]

Market Insights 07 Jan 2025

MID-SHIP Fertilizer – Jan 7, 2024

Market Overview: An expected slow start to the week as market participants return to the office after an extended holiday break and today’s Epiphany holiday. Our market showed some small signs of life during the break; remaining shipments and vessel delays necessitated some spot-fixing. The downward trend and narrow-range trade continued as we started the […]

Market Insights 19 Dec 2024

MID-SHIP Report: Dry Bulk Freight Market – Dec 19, 2024

The dry bulk market typically quiets down at this time of the year. Market participants, having secured their December positions earlier, save a few suppliers looking to move inventory within the final quarter, now shift their focus to holiday activities of entertaining clients and attending holiday parties. This December is shaping up to be one […]

Market Insights 17 Dec 2024

MID-SHIP Alumina/Bauxite – Dec 17, 2024

Market Overview:  Our market has continued to trend downward as we approach the year-end holidays, with trading largely confined to a narrow range. A combination of factors is contributing to the malaise in dry bulk rates in Q4, beyond ongoing China real estate markets/local government debt concerns and current seasonal preholiday lull. The contributing factors […]

Market Insights 06 Dec 2024

MID-SHIP Report: Dry Bulk Freight Market – Dec 6, 2024

The Baltic Exchange Main Overall Index hit new lows this week, levels not seen since September 2023. Cape Market continues to struggle with rates the bell weather Brazilian Iron ore flows, all trading at a significant discount this week. Brazil/Europe Cape freight flows are trading now under $10 per metric ton, and front haul movements […]

Market Insights 04 Dec 2024

MID-SHIP Petcoke Report – Dec 4, 2024

Market overview:  Last week, the dry bulk market continued to decline as it closed the week with the Baltic Exchange’s key index dropping to a three-week low as rates declined across the larger sizes. Most significantly, the Cape size market took a hit as it dropped nearly 25% w-o-w, marking its lowest levels since early […]

Market Insights 26 Nov 2024

MID-SHIP Cement Report – Nov 26, 2024

Market Overview:  Last week, the Cape size market experienced a significant decline in rates, aligning with the broader trend in the dry bulk market, largely due to weak demand in the Panamax segment. The Panamax, Supramax, and Handysize segments continued to trade within a narrow range, with an oversupply of vessels exerting pressure across all […]

Market Insights 20 Nov 2024

MID-SHIP Fertilizer – Nov 20, 2024

Market Overview: Last week, the capesize market showed improvement with robust activity in both basins, while Panamax, Supra, and Handy size segments traded within a narrow range. Panamax ended the week slightly up, whereas Supra and Handy sizes saw modest declines, with long vessel count lists weighing on all segments. Despite low activity levels in […]

Market Insights 14 Nov 2024

MID-SHIP Report: Dry Bulk Freight Market – Nov 14, 2024

The Capesize market continues to enjoy improvements daily through a combination of advantageous vessel count and China prewinter restocking. Transatlantic round voyage rates increased by $3,300 per day overnight, reaching an impressive $25,600 per day, as assessed on average, and are said to be higher in the physical spot market. The benchmark Tubarao to Qingdao […]

Market Insights 12 Nov 2024

MID-SHIP Alumina/Bauxite – Nov 12, 2024

Market Overview:  Following the U.S. Presidential election, the freight market remains stable. The cape-size sector stands out as a positive exception. Market participants are managing daily challenges within a balanced supply-demand ratio and higher spot vessel counts, while considering potential shifts in U.S. geopolitics, economic policies, and trade tariffs in the upcoming year. It is […]

Market Insights 05 Nov 2024

MID-SHIP Petcoke Report – Nov 5, 2024

Market overview:  The market continues to be neutral and unexciting in what should be a time of upward momentum seasonally. China economics, US Presidential elections and water levels in both Amazon and the Mississippi are uncertainties market participants are grappling with. India continues to vie for position to displace China as the prime mover in […]

Market Insights 31 Oct 2024

MID-SHIP Report: Dry Bulk Freight Market – Oct 31, 2024

Cape-size rates have been under pressure this week as sentiment in China weighs heavily on the segment. Both oil and iron prices are also under pressure. Rates are down substantially across all benchmark routes. The front haul dropping from about $44,000 to $35,000 per day, and the long round China to Brazil and back falling […]

Market Insights 29 Oct 2024

MID-SHIP Cement Report – Oct 29, 2024

Market Overview:  The market continues slowly for this time of year. All eyes are on China as troubling signs continue to be registered across commodity markets. The CEO of Brazil’s Suzano, controlling one-third of the global hardwood pulp supplies, recently described “ the most challenging scenario ever” in top importer China, adding there are signs […]

Market Insights 21 Oct 2024

MID-SHIP Fertilizer – Oct 21, 2024

Market Overview: Hope springs eternal for a so far unrealized seasonal improvement in dry bulk rates. Capes and Panamax have had an uninspiring week. Supra and Handy size have seen pockets of improved rates and a fair bit of positional volatility. Period activity at firm levels and moderate improvements across the forward assessments for Forward […]

Market Insights 16 Oct 2024

MID-SHIP Report: Dry Bulk Freight Market – Oct 16, 2024

Capesize rates have been under pressure this week as sentiment in China weighs heavily on the segment. Both oil and iron prices are also under pressure. The benchmark Brazil-China voyage fell to $23.96 per metric ton, well down from $26.95 about a week ago. Rates are down across all benchmark routes. The front haul route […]

Market Insights 09 Oct 2024

MID-SHIP Alumina/Bauxite – Oct 9, 2024

Market Overview: Holidays in Asia weighed heavily on market activity last week, giving us a generally quiet week. Today we continue in a similar vein. Bunker prices have moved up in the past week. West Texas Intermediate crude oil futures rose by about 10% last week, due to concerns about potential supply disruptions in the […]

Market Insights 04 Oct 2024

MID-SHIP Report: Dry Bulk Freight Market – Oct 4, 2024

The market at present is lackluster and in need of a catalyst to break the current range bound trade and general lack of volatility. Perhaps the commencement of the North American grain export season and grain demand in north Europe might provide some much-needed impetus in the Atlantic and China’s return from this week’s national […]

Market Insights 01 Oct 2024

MID-SHIP Petcoke Report – Oct 1, 2024

Market overview: We start the week on a quiet note with the North American market returning to work after last week’s ASBA gathering in Miami, the east coast assesses the damage from Hurricane Helene’s severe flooding and power outages and the potential for a walk out tonight at midnight by the union representing dock workers […]

Market Insights 23 Sep 2024

MID-SHIP Cement Report – Sept 23, 2024

Market Overview: We start the week on a positive note, albeit continuing the relatively flat/narrow range trading from last week. Broker Team Estimates and Historical Data: Please refer to the below chart, which illustrates our broker team estimates for commodity specific trade lanes and the historical range they have traded in the past year. Market […]

Market Insights 18 Sep 2024

MID-SHIP Fertilizer – Sept 18, 2024

Market Overview: We start the week on a positive note, while last week, all markets traded down, each within a very narrow range. Broker Team Estimates and Historical Data: Please refer to the chart below, which illustrates our broker team estimates for commodity-specific trade lanes and the historical range they have traded in the past […]

Market Insights 11 Sep 2024

MID-SHIP Report: Dry Bulk Freight Market – Sept 11, 2024

The story of the Capesize market this year and this summer has been strong supply-side fundamentals. The daily average of the time charter routes has peaked twice in recent months – $29,365 in early May and $32,250 in early July – we today stand at about $28,000. The largest bulkers have enjoyed a volatile summer […]

Market Insights 10 Sep 2024

MID-SHIP Alumina/Bauxite – Sept 10, 2024

Market Overview: Post summer season and the market traded within a very narrow range this past week. The trend continued with the Cape size was showing strength. Note Panamax rounds in the Pacific have reached almost double those for a transatlantic round. Current Market Conditions: A quiet start to the week. Notably, since Friday, rates […]

Market Insights 28 Aug 2024

MID-SHIP Petcoke Report – Aug 28, 2024

Market Overview: The end of the summer season and the market traded within a very narrow range. Current Market Conditions: A quiet start to the week. Notably, since Friday, rates have fallen further across all sectors. Broker Estimates and Historical Data: Please refer to the chart below, which illustrates our current broker estimates and the […]

Market Insights 20 Aug 2024

MID-SHIP Cement Report – Aug 20, 2024

Market Overview: Aside from Capesize vessels, which demonstrated strong performance this week, the market traded within a very narrow range. Current Market Conditions: Today marks a quiet start to the week. Notably, since Friday, Panamax daily rates have fallen below those of Supramax vessels. Broker Estimates and Historical Data: Please refer to the chart below, […]

MID-SHIP News 12 Jul 2024

Matthew I. DeLuca, Jr.

We regret having to pass on the sad news that, yesterday, our Founder, Partner, Mentor and Friend, Matthew I. DeLuca, Jr., passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his beloved wife Marguerita, his loving son Matthew, and their family. Matt was 86 years old. It is a great loss for all of us who knew […]

Market Insights 07 Jun 2024

MID-SHIP Report: Dry Bulk Freight Market – Jun 7, 2024

Sentiment in the cape size market is positive, reflecting a tight new vessel order book, expectations that Chinese ore imports will continue in the face of declining steel production, as Japan, Korea, and Taiwan are increasing steel production as their economics continue to improve. Long-haul West African sources continue to support firm front haul rates. […]

MID-SHIP News 01 Mar 2024

MID-SHIP Group: Celebrating 50 Years of Excellence!

MID-SHIP’s 50th Anniversary! We proudly announce that the MID-SHIP Group is celebrating its Golden Anniversary today, March 1, 2024, marking an incredible milestone of 50 years of dedication to client service, innovation, and success! Since our inception in 1974, the MID-SHIP Group has been a standard bearer for highly customized personal service in the dry […]

Market Insights 23 Feb 2024

MID-SHIP Report: Dry Bulk Freight Market – Feb 23, 2024

Last Wednesday saw a notable surge in trade activity as both China and Brazil re-entered the market following the conclusion of the Lunar New Year and Carnival festivities. This resurgence has led to significant breakout in cape market performance, with prices soaring from approximately $18,800 two weeks ago to the current level of $26,000. The […]

Market Insights 15 Feb 2024

MID-SHIP Marine – Time Charter Global Rates – Feb 15, 2024

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Market Insights 09 Feb 2024

MID-SHIP Report: Dry Bulk Freight Market – Feb 9, 2024

The past week unfolded with a subdued tone, attributed in part to the anticipation surrounding the Lunar New Year and Carnival celebrations. However, amidst this calm, significant events have transpired, notably the targeted strikes on Houthi targets in response to ongoing attacks on shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden and resulting increases […]

Market Insights 07 Feb 2024

MID-SHIP Marine – Baltic Exchange Indices – Feb 7, 2024

Baltic Exchange Indices CAPESIZE INDEX is at 2371 UP 229 / 10.69% PANAMAX INDEX is at 1428 UP 9 / 0.63% SUPRAMAX INDEX is at 1041 UP 4 / 0.39% HANDYSIZE INDEX is at 577 DOWN 5 / -0.86% Subscribe below to receive the full report.

Market Insights 07 Feb 2024

MID-SHIP Marine – Baltic Exchange Time Charter Averages – Feb 7, 2024

Baltic Exchange Time Charter Averages Subscribe below to receive the full report.