In the final days of winter, no significant changes have been observed in Ukraine’s freight market. Orders for grain shipments from western Ukrainian ports in Handysize lots continue to enter the market, ProAgro Group reports.
At the same time, according to ASAP Agri, only a limited number of these orders are firm, which does not provide shipowners with sufficient grounds to demand higher rates.
The Coaster segment also appears stable. However, charterers continue to face a shortage of vessels willing to operate from Ukrainian seaports. This is particularly relevant for routes to countries requiring vessels with a “clean record” under the Paris MoU framework – an international agreement that sets inspection standards for ships in European ports.
As previously reported, in December alone, 13 civilian vessels – mainly bulk carriers used for grain and iron ore transportation – were damaged as a result of Russian strikes on Ukrainian ports. This accounts for nearly 10% of all vessels affected since the beginning of the full-scale war.ProAgro Group
