Having improved slightly, the small-tonnage market sentiment has deteriorated again this week, partly due to the start of Ramadan and minimized activity in the Mediterranean Sea (primarily this applies to shipments of fertilizers and minerals from North African ports).
A significant excess of gondola cars on the market in March 2025 puts a strong pressure on the corresponding rental rates. However, some operators are still trying to hold rates at quite a high level averaging ₴291/day (hereafter VAT excluding).
Dynamics of average mazut prices, $/tonne
Gondola car rental rate index, €/day*
The last week of winter has been marked by worsening ice conditions in the Azov Sea , as well as by less favorable weather conditions in the northern and eastern parts of the Black Sea. Activity has not changed much in both the Black and Mediterranean Seas, remaining weak.
Dynamics of average mazut prices, $/tonne
Gondola car rental rate index, €/day*
The rental rates of freight wagons remained unchanged in Baltic countries in February compared with January 2025. The rental rates of boxcars with a body capacity of 161-175 cu m and fitting platforms were the only ones that saw some adjustments due to currency fluctuations.
The sentiment has improved slightly on the small-tonnage shipping market during the week. Primarily this applies to the Black Sea and North Sea segments, where shipments of finished and semi-finished steel products, as well as grain, have got slightly brisker.
Dynamics of average mazut prices, $/tonne