MID-SHIP Petcoke Report – May 13, 2026

May 13, 2026

Market overview:  

The dry bulk market delivered another constructive session overall, with strength in larger sizes continuing to outpace the more modest gains seen in the minor bulk segments. Capesize led the rally, extending its upward trajectory on the back of strong Brazil and West Africa to China activity, tightening tonnage, and improving bid levels across key routes. The BCI 5TC surged to $48,433, with notable gains on both C3 and C5, as fixtures pushed into the high-$37s and mid-$15s, respectively. Panamax markets also remained firmly supported, with steady transatlantic grain and mineral flows and strong fronthaul demand, particularly from North Coast South America and the US East Coast. Continued activity in the Pacific, including premium returns for short Indonesian runs, helped lift the P5TC to $22,083. Period interest was also evident, reflecting sustained charterer confidence amid tightening conditions.

In contrast, Handysize and Supramax segments showed a more mixed and positional tone. Handysize rates edged marginally higher, with the BHSI at 848, as firmer sentiment in the US Gulf and continued cargo flow in Asia offset softer fundamentals in the South Atlantic and muted activity across the Continent and Mediterranean. Asian demand remained a bright spot, supporting incremental rate gains across regional trades. Supramax markets were similarly uneven, with Atlantic basins struggling to gain momentum amid prompt tonnage availability, while improved enquiry in the South Atlantic and strengthening demand in Asia…particularly for backhaul and NoPac routes…helped push the 11TC average up to $19,625. Overall, the market continues to show a clear divergence, with larger vessels driving bullish sentiment while the smaller sizes remain more rangebound and sensitive to regional imbalances.

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