Freight market stabilizes after several weeks of sharp fluctuations

Freight rates have begun to level out, but the market remains uneven — the most difficult situation remains in the bulk carrier segment.

After two rather turbulent weeks, the situation in the Ukrainian maritime transportation market has begun to gradually stabilize. This is reported by ASAP Agri analysts.

The main reason was that charterers who had previously sold cargoes were forced to fulfill their contractual obligations and could no longer postpone shipments.

However, this revival primarily concerns the Handysize class vessel segment. At the same time, the situation remains difficult in the bulk carrier segment. A significant gap between the expectations of charterers and shipowners continues to restrain the conclusion of new agreements.

Thus, the bulk carrier freight from the Danube to the Eastern Mediterranean increased from approximately $28–30/t in March 2025 to about $45/t in March 2026. In the “handysize” segment, rates increased from about $16/t to almost $30/t over the same period.

Read also. What is happening with freight, the fleet and the Sulina Canal. Interview with Avalon Shipping Operations Manager Kateryna Kononenko