Freight market of Azov after the holidays looks fairly positive. A large number of spot tonnage, which is characteristic for the post-holiday period, is not observed. In this case, the Shipowners behave quietly and not throw open the fleet to the market. Rates showed a slight decrease on the background of long weekends in Russia, and resulting from, the reduction of supply of goods. This factor has been balanced by the introduction of Captain Rostov port ice restrictions from January 4 to ships calling at Rostov and Azov to call the required ice class is not below 1, which significantly reduced the number available to local Charterers ' fleet.

At the same time, the ice situation in the region at the moment is stable and of long delays caused by ice conditions, was observed. In the third week in Azov expected surge winds that will last about a week, and will be able to affect ice conditions. Now predicted the occurrence of large hummocks of ice that would impede navigation in the ADMK.

Firm offers of goods ready to be shipped from the Russian ports of the Azov sea, a little - affected weekend, the downtrend Traders and the current situation in the commodity market. For many suppliers it is profitable to operate in the domestic market, where feed manufacturers and poultry give a price higher than the Exporters. Charterers concluded that rates should not rise in the coming weeks. In support of this opinion also plays a significant strengthening of the ruble in comparison with the end of last year. At the moment, the supply of grain to southern ports go on the basis of earlier contracts, grain producers are reluctant to accept the terms and rates Traders. The greatest activity in the market show senders niche products, such as bran, meal.

In Astrakhan the contrary, compared to Rostov, the situation with the ice conditions in port waters and in the channel it has deteriorated considerably during the holidays and is making significant adjustments to schedules of the ships. Many ship-Owners decided to work from the ice-free ports in the region, such as Makhachkala and Aktau. Paradoxically, the greatest fall in freight rates showed just flights from Astrakhan shipment there is now very little and the rhythm of the supply of new lots during the holidays was severely disrupted.