Rental rates of gondola cars hold largely steady in December 2024, although some operators have adjusted the rates within the actual range. Market players are pinning hopes that rates will remain stable in January, but seasonal factors should be taken into account
Despite the upcoming holidays, only the North European small-tonnage market is showing some signs of a traditional pre-Christmas rally. Spot cargo offer is gradually increasing in the region, while brisker shipments of contract cargoes are also taking part of tonnage from the market.
Rental rates remained unchanged in the Baltic countries in November compared with October. The changes in rental rates for box cars with a body capacity of 161-175 cu m were only caused by currency fluctuations.
Ventspils Freeport handled a record volume of cargo in October 2024. The stevedoring companies all together transshipped a total of 879,000 t of goods in October, showing a 73% or 371,000 t increase compared with September 2024.
Trade has expectedly perked up on the Black Sea coaster shipping market upon the return of many traders and brokers from Global Grain, but this has neither led to an increase in fixing activity, nor to higher freight rates.