Iron Ore Trade Remain Elevated as We Enter the Seasonally Strong Period – September historically marks the beginning of seasonal strength in the dry bulk trade, as weather-related disruptions subside and Northern Hemisphere import demand for bulk commodity goods rises ahead of winter.

Atlantic Strength and Hormuz Risk Support VLCC Premiums – Firmer enquiry from the US Gulf, Brazil and West Africa is absorbing prompt VLCC tonnage and limiting the number of ships available to ballast towards the Middle East while owners considering Arabian Gulf employment must also factor in the security, insurance and operational exposure associated with Hormuz, increasing the cost of attracting vessels east.