Panamax Rates Slip Slightly

Panamax freight rate ideas for the immediate future have slipped back slightly, shipbrokers said. Overall, Panamax freight rates in the Atlantic are seen as softer, while the Pacific market is deemed relatively steady. However, shipbrokers are eager to see some sign this week that the Panamax market will stabilize. The start of the week saw a three to five month period charter fixed at $11,000 daily for the 1990 built 68,789 dwt Antwerpia, but the latest booking, for the 1989 built 69,406 dwt Anangel Progress, shows a slightly lower negotiated level. The Anangel Progress is scheduled for delivery Continent just before mid-March and is chartered for a three to five month trading contract at $10,900 daily, said shipbrokers. In contrast, a positive fixture has been reported for the US Gulf to Japan heavy grain Panamax benchmark route. Shipbrokers reported that the 1999 built 74,002 dwt Far Eastern Queen has been booked to transport a 54,000 ton heavy grain cargo at $22.80 per ton basis no combination destination ports. Loading is due between the end of March and start of April. — (Reuters)