The ISTFIX index opens 2026 at 839 points, reflecting a slow start post-holidays in the coaster market.
The Istanbul Freight Index (ISTFIX), which monitors the pulse of the coaster market, started the year 2026 quietly. Last week, overshadowed by the Christmas and New Year holidays, the index opened at 839 points.
The ISTFIX Composite Index measures the activity in dry cargo transportation in the Mediterranean and Black Sea regions. During the first week of the new year, limited trading volume was observed as market participants were still in holiday mode. This resulted in a decline in representative cargo connections, which was reflected in the index data.
The stagnation in the freight market was also evident in the ship sale and purchase (S&P) sector. Throughout the week, no sales transactions were reported in coaster tonnage, leading to a near standstill in the second-hand ship market.
In contrast to the stagnation in the freight market, there was some activity in the energy sector. An upward correction was noted in oil prices, with Brent Oil rising from $60.60 to $60.75. This increase in oil prices also led to a slight rise in ship fuel (bunker) prices, exerting upward pressure on the operational costs for shipowners.
