By D. Sigalas

Quiet conditions persist in the Med, with Erg for 80,000 tons loading Zueitina August 14, discharging Savona, having received 12 offers and finally fixing M/T “Black Sea” at W/S 95.

- Similar conditions in N. Sea, with only activity out of Baltic keeping market alive. BP has fixed M/T “Nord Akarita” for 100,000 tons of cargo loading Primorsk August 16-17 discharging UKC, at W/S 83.75 while Karran has fixed M/T “Vigdis Knutsen” loading August 3 with same destination, at W/S 90.

- Caribs keeps weakening with Equiva out of Mexico fixing M/T “Saint Helen” at W/S 135.

- On Suezmaxes, Hess in W. Africa has fixed alliance tonnage for 130,000 tons of cargo loading August 29 discharging St. Croix, at W/S 72.5, while Arcadia has fixed M/T “Donat” for 133,000 tons of cargo loading August 20 Ceyhan discharging Morocco, at W/S 70.

- In the Cont., Petrogal has fixed M/T “Hildegaard” for 80,000 tons of cargo loading August 8 UK discharging Portugal, at W/S 105.

- In Caribs, Petrobras has fixed M/T “Genmar Minotaur” for 70,000 tons of cargo loading August 4 discharging US Gulf, at W/S 147.5.

The caper market offers hardly encouraging news. The reported rates are weak as per the Elcano fixture of Cape International tonnage for 150,000 tons ore loading Brazil August 11-20 discharging Gijon (Spain) at USD 4.05 per ton with 6 days all purposes.

- Atlantic still provides better freight rates for modern and large Panamax tonnage. Bunge has fixed M/V “Orsolina Bottiglieri,” 75,413 dwt, built 2001, delivery ec S. America August 10-15 redelivery Far East at USD 9,000 daily and USD 250,000 ballast bonus.

- Handymaxes are still averaging comparatively better returns. USG is a strong place to be. Conditions in the Cont. are also firm for nearly all sizes.

- On Panamax in Far East, Korea Line has fixed M/V “Ever Blossom” 72,500 dwt, built 1997, delivery China end August for 2 years trading, at USD 9,300 daily.

- In Atlantic, Coeclerici has fixed M/V “Pleione,” 70,189 dwt, built 1996, delivery UKC August 4 for 2 legs redelivery Atlantic, at USD 7,500 daily option redelivery Far East at USD 8,500 daily.