SUBSCRIBER NOTE: Platts to launch new Ultramax, Supramax, Post-Panamax voyage assessments

S&P Global Platts proposes to launch six new dry bulk freight assessments for Ultramax, Supramax and Post-Panamax class vessels reflecting the increasing liquidity on thermal coal routes from South Africa and Indonesia as well as on metallurgical coal routes from Australia, effective December 1.

The 63,000 dwt Ultramax class bulk carrier has become popular among coal traders and shipowners for its low operating costs and capability to carry incremental volumes. The bigger size enables it to load up to the maximum 10% operational tolerance on a 55,000-mt cargo.

In contrast, the Supramax vessel's maximum loading capacity of 57,000 mt falls short of the 60,000 mt maximum size on a 55,000 mt cargo after factoring in the 10% tolerance.

The Post-Panamax vessels are being widely employed to move metallurgical coal from east coast Australia to China with larger stems being sold by producers.

With Pakistan's coal imports increasing as new thermal power-plants come on stream on the back of the $55 billion China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the Richards Bay, South Africa, to Karachi route has become very liquid.

The following new assessments are proposed: * South Kalimantan, Indonesia to Paradip, India, 55,000 mt (+/- 10%) in $/mt * South Kalimantan, Indonesia to Navlakhi, India 55,000 mt (+/- 10%) in $/mt * RBCT, South Africa to Paradip, India, 55,000 mt (+/- 10%) in $/mt * RBCT, South Africa to Kandla, India, 55,000 mt (+/- 10%) in $/mt * RBCT, South Africa to Karachi, Pakistan, 50,000 mt (+/- 10%) in $/mt * Hay Point, Australia to Qingdao, China, 85,000 mt (+/- 10%) in $/mt

The assessments would be published on a dollar per metric ton basis and appear in Dry Freight Wire.

Please send any feedback or questions by Nov 10, 2017 to shipping@spglobal.com and pricegroup@spglobal.com.

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