MID-SHIP Petcoke Report – August 26, 2026

August 26, 2026

Market overview:  

The Handysize market was subdued Thursday, with limited activity and the HS7TC average easing $25 to $16,290. The US Gulf showed signs of softening, with transatlantic business rumored in the low/mid-teens, while the South Atlantic also appeared slightly weaker despite owners maintaining a more bullish stance. The Continent was comparatively firmer, supported by scrap demand, while the Mediterranean remained quiet. In the Supramax sector, the market was largely sideways, with the 11TC average essentially unchanged at $20,789. Atlantic activity remained limited, although US Gulf transatlantic demand strengthened as the week progressed, and South Atlantic rates continued to hold. The Pacific maintained a more positive tone, supported by active NoPac grain demand and continued period interest, with nickel ore business from the Philippines to China generally fixing from the high teens into the low $20,000s depending on vessel position.

The Panamax market continued to firm, with the P5TC average gaining $419 to $20,632. The South Atlantic recovered from a slower start, with P6 levels now around $22,000, while the North Atlantic remained in something of a standoff as owners resisted lowering offers and charterers remained reluctant to chase the market higher. The Pacific continued to strengthen on healthy NoPac grain and East Australian mineral demand, with recent gains from EC South America reinforcing bullish owner sentiment. Capesize also maintained its positive momentum, with the BCI 5TC climbing $950 to $46,601. The Pacific remained firm but increasingly positional, with C5 gaining $0.30 to $15.545 and earlier tonnage commanding premiums around $16.00 or better. The North Atlantic remained firm, while the South Atlantic was quieter, with C3 easing slightly to $37.405 amid a widening bid-offer spread. Overall, the larger sizes continue to show the strongest momentum, led by firm Panamax and Capesize conditions, while the smaller sectors remain comparatively steady to soft.

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