- Limited Pacific activity caps Panamax momentum
- Subdued Indonesia market weighs on Supramax
India’s dry bulk coal freight market remained subdued in the week ended 30 June 2026, as sluggish chartering activity, limited fresh cargoes, and cautious market participation weighed on sentiment across both the Pacific and Atlantic basins. Ample vessel availability and muted cargo demand continued to keep overall freight momentum under pressure.
A ship operator said, “It’s a quiet start to the week. The market has been softening due to a lack of fresh cargoes.”
The Panamax market remained under pressure during the week, with weak sentiment prevailing across both the Atlantic and Pacific basins. Modest improvement in Australian enquiries provided limited support, but a lack of fresh cargoes and a thin Pacific cargo list continued to weigh on rates.
A shipbroker said, “The Atlantic is looking comparatively healthier, but the Pacific is yet to recover. Owners are showing greater resistance, although limited cargo availability continues to restrict fixing activity.”
The Supramax market remained subdued during the week, with thin Indonesia-origin cargoes and limited fresh enquiries weighing on fixing activity. Ample vessel availability, subdued coal demand, and cautious chartering sentiment continued to pressure freight rates across key Asian trade routes.
Route-wise update
Outlook
Coal freight rates to India are expected to remain mixed in the near term. The direction of the Panamax market will hinge on whether fresh Pacific cargoes improve and Australian demand gathers pace, while Supramax sentiment is likely to depend on a recovery in Indonesia-origin enquiries. Market participants will also closely monitor bunker price movements, vessel availability and the balance between Atlantic strength and Pacific weakness for further freight direction.
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