Maritime & Shipping, Dry Freight

June 16, 2025

Platts proposes to launch two dry bulk Panamax/Kamsarmax Atlantic period freight assessments Aug. 1

Platts, part of S&P Global Commodity Insights, proposes to launch two weekly Atlantic period Time Charter Equivalent, or TCE, assessments, effective Aug. 1, 2025.

These would include a short-term assessment for a duration of four to six months and a long-term assessment for 12-15 months. By launching these assessments, Platts aims to provide more comprehensive insights into the underlying factors driving the market beyond the spot curve.

A short-term TCE assessment reflects a rental agreement for a vessel lasting between four to six months, while a long-term TCE assessment reflects a duration of 12 to 15 months.

Short-term rates enable us to capture immediate supply-demand dynamics, while long-term rates reflect charterers' confidence or caution regarding market trends, commodity flows, and geopolitical risks. Additionally, period rates can signal shifts in risk appetite; a rise in long-term interest may suggest concerns about future rate volatility, while discounted long-term deals from owners could indicate a bearish outlook for the market.

The specifications for both the assessments would be:

Specifications
AgeMaximum 15 years
Size82,000 dwt
Daily Bunker Consumption23.5 mt/d at 12.5k ballast; 11.5k laden
DeliveryGibraltar
Time stamp16:30 London timestamp

The proposed assessments are:

PeriodDeliveryRedelivery
4-6 monthsGibraltarWorldwide
12-15 monthsGibraltarWorldwide

These assessments would follow the London publishing schedule and be published in Platts Dry Freight Wire.

Please send all comments or questions by June 30, 2025 to dryfreight@spglobal.com and pricegroup@platts.com.

For written comments, please provide a clear indication if comments are not intended for publication by Platts for public viewing.

Platts will consider all comments received and will make comments not marked as confidential available upon request.