The “handysize” market has virtually stopped, and Danube freight has increased by $3–5/t
20.07.2026 - 16:59
Last week, only one vessel was looking for cargo in the handysize segment. Rates on the Danube, however, increased by $3–5/t.
The deepwater freight market from Ukrainian ports has virtually stopped, while rates on the Danube have increased by $3–5/MT. This is reported by ASAP Agri analysts.
As of July 17, the freight of “coasters” from the Danube to the Eastern Mediterranean reached about $42–43/MT, “handysizes” from Black Sea ports — about $26/MT.
The “handysizes” segment was almost inactive last week. Only one vessel was looking for cargo and raised its price idea by more than $10/MT. Charterers increased rates by about $5/MT, but no deals were concluded.
The reason is the security situation. On July 19, the Golden Leo “coster” suffered serious damage as a result of the strike.
“One vessel is not enough to reflect the real level of the market. There is currently no clear market for “handy sizes”. After the serious damage to the Golden Leo “coster” on July 19, we do not expect the freight market for “handy sizes” to return this week, unless the situation improves,” commented Taras Panasyuk, co-owner and head of freight brokerage Atria Brokers.
Earlier, USM wrote that Russian strikes reduced grain exports through the ports of Greater Odessa by a third.
