Last week, the situation on the Ukrainian freight market did not change significantly. Shipowners continue to quote high rates due to rising bunker fuel costs, while deal-making activity remains limited, ProAgro Group reports.

According to ASAP Agri, the speculative factor is gradually weakening, and shipowners and charterers are increasingly finding common ground.

In the Handysize segment, mixed dynamics were observed: rates for European destinations slightly increased, while those for the Eastern Mediterranean and Turkey declined.

In the Coaster segment, most negotiations were conducted at levels close to the previous week. Tonnage supply remains limited, but the number of firm cargoes is also low, making it difficult for shipowners to push rates higher.

As reported, at the beginning of March, bunker fuel prices surged sharply due to military events in the Middle East, forcing shipowners to revise freight rates upward.