Freight Market Review - Week 11, 2026

The freight market in the Azov–Black Sea region recorded an increase in freight rates this week. For shipments of approximately 3,000 mt of wheat from Azov to Marmara Sea ports, freight levels reached around 55 USD/MT, reflecting the impact of rising bunker fuel prices.

Handysize (~30,000 DWT) shows mostly upward dynamics across the main routes. However, the increase in rates is not supported by stronger grain demand or growth in forward sales, and is primarily driven by higher fuel costs.

Coaster (~5,000 DWT) is also moving upward across key routes. At the same time, no shortage of tonnage is currently observed for March loading dates in the region, indicating that the current market movement is mainly driven by the fuel factor.

Key observations of the week

• Freight levels: for shipments of approximately 3,000 mt of wheat from Azov to Marmara Sea ports, rates increased to around 55 USD/MT.
• Main driver: the rise in freight levels is primarily linked to higher bunker fuel prices rather than stronger cargo demand.
• Tonnage: no shortage of vessels is currently observed in the Azov–Black Sea region for March loading dates.
• Export duties: the export duty on Russian wheat, corn and barley remains at zero starting from 11 March.

Handysize (~30,000 DWT)

Shipment of approximately 30,000 mt of wheat (SF 47)

Coaster (~5,000 DWT)

Shipment of approximately 5,000 mt of wheat (SF 47)