84. Freight Derivatives & FFA Explained | Mads Frank Markussen

I had the opportunity to interview Richard Klein, Freight Trader with few decades of experience. Richard worked as freight trader at Glencore, Viterra... In this episode Richard broke down the basics of freight trading and grains chartering. What you'll learn: 1️⃣ Freight vs commodity trading 2️⃣ Cargo booking explained 3️⃣ Grain houses vs Operators explained 4️⃣ Importance of FFA & Hedging 5️⃣ Grains trade A big thanks to Richard for sharing his time and expertise! SHIPPING AND COMMODITY OPERATION CERTIFICATE : https://bit.ly/4jsKV6z

In this in-depth masterclass on freight derivatives and Forward Freight Agreements (FFAs), we sit down with Mads Frank Markussen, Head of Freight Research & FFA at Navi Merchants A/S - CM Navigator and former freight trader at Louis Dreyfus Company (LDC). Episode Topics : 1)FFAs and the Role of Freight Derivatives 2)Baltic Indices and the Panamax Market 3)Hedging vs Speculation in FFA market 4)Long vs Short and Basis Risk Explained 5)FFA contract how it looks like 6)FFA Contracts, Futures, and Options 7)Hedging Panamax Voyages and Period Exposure : real case scenario CM Navigator : https://cmnavigator.com SHIPPING AND COMMODITY OPERATION CERTIFICATE : https://bit.ly/4jsKV6z

In this interview, Samuel Basi, former metal trader, breaks down all the key fundamentals of metals trading. Chapters : -Different Types of Metals -Introduction to Metals Trading-Biggest Exporters and Importers of Metals-Where Metals Are Traded (Major Hubs)-How We Trade Metals -Futures Contracts, Hedging, and the Options Market Explained Whether you work in shipping, commodities, mining, or you're simply curious, this episode is for you. If you’re looking for resources to deepen your understanding, check out Samuel’s book Perfectly Hedged: A Practical Guide to Base Metals. Samuel’s Book: https://www.perfectlyhedged.com SHIPPING AND COMMODITY OPERATION CERTIFICATE : https://bit.ly/4jsKV6z

I had the opportunity to interview Cicero Prado Machado, a seasoned expert with over 18 years of experience in the iron ore sector, former geologist, and ex-BHP professional. In this exclusive interview, we cover everything you need to know about iron ore—from geology to global trade, quality, steelmaking processes, and market outlook. Chapters1️⃣ Iron ore fundamentals2️⃣ Ore quality, grades & specifications3️⃣ Country overview: Australia, Brazil & Canada4️⃣ Top global players, exporters & importers5️⃣ Steelmaking methods: BF-BOF & EAF6️⃣ Market outlook & future trendsSHIPPING AND COMMODITY OPERATION CERTIFICATE : https://bit.ly/4jsKV6z

In this episode I interview Marc Pauchet, Global Market Leader - Dry Bulk at Bureau Veritas. In this episode, Marc takes us deep into the world of capesize vessel and Dry bulk. In this episode : Capesize Vessel Definition Owners & Operators of Capesize Vessels Commodities Transported 19:58 Shipping Routes in the Capesize Market Valemax / Chinamax Explained Future Fuels Capesize Chartering Explained SHIPPING AND COMMODITY OPERATION CERTIFICATE : https://bit.ly/4jsKV6z

I had the opportunity to interview Kjell Hagenes Christensen, Senior Charterer at Odfjell SE, one of the leading players in chemical products chartering, operating a fleet of over 80 chemical tankers.In this episode, Kjell takes us deep into the complex and highly specialized world of chemical tanker chartering.Topics covered :1️⃣ Chemical tanker specifications 2️⃣ Stainless steel & coating explained3️⃣ Key chemical products explained: Caustic soda, sulphuric acid and more4️⃣ Parceling explained5️⃣ Heating & cooling systems explained6️⃣ Contract of Affreightment (COA)7️⃣ Global trading routes & major hubs8️⃣ Tank cleaning procedures9️⃣ Largest exporters/importers of chemicalsWhether you're in shipping, commodities, energy, or simply curious about this sector, this interview is a real masterclass, offering a clear and structured overview of the chemical tanker market.

I had the opportunity to interview Anthony Knutson, Global Head of Thermal Coal Markets at Wood Mackenzie, based in Washington, with more than 25 years of experience in the coal and energy sector.In this episode, Anthony walks us through the complex world of coal. Whether you're in shipping, commodities, energy, mining or just curious about how coal powers industries and economies, This interview is a real masterclass, providing the most important information for a clear overview of coal as a commodity.🎙️ What you'll learn: 1️⃣ Types of Coal: Thermal vs. Metallurgical 2️⃣ Coal Mining: Underground vs. Surface Methods 3️⃣ Top Coal Producers, Exporters, and Importers 4️⃣ Coal Quality: Ash Content, Sulphur, and Calorific Value 5️⃣ Coal Overview by Country -Australia-Indonesia -China-India-Russia-South Africa-Colombia-USA -Canada 6️⃣ Coal Shipping: Vessel Types and Trade Routes 7️⃣ Challenges of Transporting Coal 8️⃣ The Future of CoalA big thank you to Anthony for sharing his expertise on the global coal sector.SHIPPING AND COMMODITY OPERATION CERTIFICATE : https://bit.ly/4jsKV6z

I had the opportunity to interview Alexander Stewart, a Sugar Trader with over 20 years of experience in the global sugar market.In this episode, Alexander walks us through the world of sugar trading. Whether you're in shipping, commodities, or just curious about how sugar moves across the globe, this conversation breaks it all down with clarity and expertise. What you'll learn: - How Sugar Is Produced - Top Sugar Producers, Exporters, and Importers- Types of Sugar: Raw, White, Refined... - How Sugar Is Traded Globally - Understanding Sugar Futures Contracts: No. 11 & No. 5 - Sugar Shipping & Chartering - Bagged vs. Bulk Freight SHIPPING AND COMMODITY OPERATION CERTIFICATE : https://bit.ly/4jsKV6z

In this episode I interview Gregory Mussa, Freight Trader in the grains market. With more than 20 years of experience in the shipping industry, Gregory broke down the fundamentals of freight trading and grains chartering, offering real-world insights valuable to both newcomers and seasoned professionals in the shipping and commodity industries. What you'll learn: 1️⃣ The role of a Freight Trader 2️⃣ Overview of the Grains Market 3️⃣ Major grain shipping routes 4️⃣ Types of dry bulk vessels used in the grains market 5️⃣ The relationship between commodity traders and freight traders 6️⃣ Backhaul vs. Fronthaul explained 7️⃣ The fixing process (On subs, Clean fixture...) 8️⃣ Charter party contract templates used in the grains market SHIPPING AND COMMODITY OPERATION CERTIFICATE : https://bit.ly/4jsKV6z

In this episode, I interview Vasilis Economopoulos, Head of Tanker Chartering & Management at Emirates Shipping LLC. With extensive experience in commercial shipping, Vasilis breaks down the fundamentals of ship ownership, offering real-world perspectives valuable for both newcomers and senior professionals in the shipping industry. What you'll learn: 1️⃣ Chartering explained – how it really works 2️⃣ Trading routes for Clean Petroleum Products (CPP) 3️⃣ In-house vs External technical management 4️⃣ Sale & Purchase (S&P) vs Newbuilding 5️⃣ Insights into the Greek shipowner ecosystem SHIPPING AND COMMODITY OPERATION CERTIFICATE : https://bit.ly/4jsKV6z