Weekly Cape Traffic Tracker – Week 31
Singapore tonnage declines on weaker VLOC flows; rebound expected ahead
Capesize tonnage passing through Singapore declined last week, falling below both the previous week and the year-to-date average. The drop was driven by a fall in dedicated tonnage/VLOC volumes, while Standard Capesize/Newcastlemax supply remained steady. Looking ahead, tonnage supply through Singapore is expected to increase in the coming week, supported by rising flows from both vessel classes.
From a broader perspective, the 3-week rolling average is currently tracking lower year-on-year, with dedicated tonnage/VLOCs up YoY, while Standard Capesize/Newcastlemax volumes remain down YoY.
Australian Iron Ore Exports Ease Slightly as Port Hedland Loadings Slow
Stanley Point and FMG declines offset Dampier gains amid wind and maintenance
Australian iron ore exports slipped slightly last week, with reduced volumes from Port Hedland – Stanley Point and FMG outweighing the rise in shipments out of Dampier. The decline occurred despite generally fair weather across the northwest, though periodic strong winds were reported throughout the week. Operations also faced maintenance disruptions across multiple ports. Further south, Geraldton experienced harsher conditions, with heavy rain and strong winds persisting for much of the week.
Looking ahead, maintenance is scheduled to continue at Port Hedland, but the Pilbara is expected to see stable, fair weather through the week—providing a window for steadier operations.
Australian Coal Exports Drop Sharply as Steam Coal Volumes Slide
Newcastle-led decline pushes total exports to recent lows amid rain and swells
Australian coal exports fell last week, marking the lowest weekly total in recent months. The decline was led by a drop in steam coal shipments, particularly out of Newcastle, which more than offset modest gains in coking coal exports—driven mainly by Dalrymple Bay and Hay Point. The slowdown coincided with ongoing maintenance at Abbot Point, Hay Point, and Newcastle, and was further compounded by adverse weather, especially in the south. Newcastle faced heavy rainfall and persistent winds through much of the week, peaking over the weekend, which restricted vessel movements due to high swells.
Looking ahead, maintenance will continue at Abbot Point, Newcastle, and Hay Point, while showers are expected to return across Queensland and Newcastle in the second half of the week.
Brazil Iron Ore: Weekly Pulse
Export volumes hit early-July lows as Vale and junior miners pull back
Brazilian iron ore exports fell sharply last week — the slowest pace since early July — as both Vale and the junior miners recorded declines. Vale’s shipments dropped as higher volumes from Tubarão weren’t enough to offset weaker flows from PDM, CPBS, and GIT, while junior miner exports also fell despite a sharp rebound at Sudeste.
August exports are currently tracking below both July and the same period last year. Vale remains lower MoM and YoY, while junior miner volumes are holding higher on both counts—despite the weekly dip. At the current pace, Brazil is expected to roll over 5–6 million DWT of vessel supply into September — in line with the July–August rollover.