India: Coal freight market split between firmer Atlantic and softer Pacific rates

• Tight vessel supply, firmer enquiries support Atlantic rates
  
  
• Supramax segment remains resilient on healthy vessel demand
  
  

India's dry bulk coal freight market showed mixed trends in the assessment week ended 12 June 2026. Atlantic basin routes remained supported by tightening prompt vessel availability and firmer enquiry levels, while Pacific Panamax sentiment stayed under pressure amid limited cargo visibility and ample tonnage.

The Supramax segment continued to display relative strength, supported by balanced cargo flows and healthy vessel demand in the Indian Ocean.

A charterer said, "Overall sentiment remains stable, with vessel demand helping support freight levels across key routes."

A shipbroker said, "We're seeing better activity in the Atlantic, while the Pacific market remains relatively quiet."

Route-wise update

Market highlights

• Baltic Dry Index (BDI) declines w-o-w: The BDI fell by 10.1% (308 points) w-o-w to 2,729 on 11 June. The Panamax index remained largely stable, easing by 0.1% (3 points) to 2,251, supported by firm coal and grain shipments, while the Supramax index rose by 3.1% (49 points) to 1,633 on healthy minor bulk demand and improved trading activity across Asia and the Atlantic.
  
  
• Bunker prices decline w-o-w: Bunker prices fell by $79/tonne (t) w-o-w to $713/t as of 12 June, tracking weaker crude oil prices and easing concerns over near-term fuel supply tightness.
  
  
• Brent crude futures fall w-o-w: Brent crude oil (August 2026 contract) was assessed at $87.11/barrel (bbl) on 12 June, a decrease of $7.89/bbl w-o-w, as easing geopolitical risk premiums and softer demand expectations weighed on prices.
  
  
• DCE coke futures firm: Coke futures on the Dalian Commodity Exchange were assessed at RMB 2,078/t ($306.66/t) for the September 2026 contract as of 12 June, reflecting market expectations and sentiment surrounding China's coke and steel sectors.
  
  

Outlook

Coal freight rates to India are expected to remain mixed in the near term. Atlantic routes may continue to find support from tighter prompt vessel availability and firmer enquiry levels, while Pacific markets are likely to remain influenced by cargo visibility and vessel supply dynamics. The Supramax segment is expected to remain comparatively resilient, supported by healthy vessel demand and balanced market fundamentals in the Indian Ocean.