Corn freight from the Danube to Egypt rises to $120/t

Freight rates for corn shipped from Ukrainian Danube ports to Egypt have reached around $120/t in some deals for 6,000-tonne cargoes. The cost of this shipment rose by $10/t over the week.

For grain sellers and buyers, this is a signal to check not only the commodity price but also the delivery terms: the actual rate may depend on the route and the specifics of the voyage.

What is driving shipping costs

According to Atria Brokers’ freight department, the number of vessels available for the route is limited by queues at Sulina and war risks in the Black Sea. Against this backdrop, shipowners are holding out for high rates.

At the same time, a significant gap remains between shipowners’ expectations and charterers’ offers. Few new deals are being concluded, making it difficult to establish a single current freight rate.

Rates depend on the voyage

When assessing an offer, it is important to consider the terms of the specific shipment. Costs may be affected by passage through the Sulina Canal and the vessel’s location.

Barge rates are also rising amid strong demand and a shortage of tonnage. Draft restrictions on the Danube remain an additional constraint.

What to check before closing a deal

• Confirm whether the freight offer covers all costs for the agreed route.
• Compare voyage terms, including passage through the Sulina Canal and the vessel’s location.
• Compare offers based on cargo size and mode of transport — vessel or barge.
• Do not treat a single fixture as a universal market benchmark: there are too few new deals to establish a clear reference rate.

What this means for the market. Higher freight costs could change the economics of corn shipments to Egypt. Sellers should calculate expected revenue after logistics costs, while buyers should compare offers on the basis of identical delivery terms. With few deals being concluded, the details of each voyage remain decisive.