Spot freight rates for clean medium-range tankers serving the Northwest Europe to US Atlantic Coast route are edging higher on a flurry of cargoes and tighter tonnage, shipping and trading sources said Wednesday.

Freight rates for typical trans-Atlantic journeys for 37,000 mt cargoes from Rotterdam to New York were being assessed at Worldscale 130 on Tuesday, up by w10 from Friday.

Platts data shows this to be the highest rate on this route since October 9 this year.

On Wednesday morning, rates were pegged at around w130-135 levels sources said.

Sources said activity has been increasing steadily since last week and with more uncovered cargoes out there rates were expected to climb further this week on the back of firmer sentiment.

"We are going to see a continuation of firm rates if you ask me. Owners are positive and also confident now and rates will hang on to these levels, and the charterers will try and fix as many ships as they can before the Christmas season kicks in," said a shipbroker.

Sources said the Tavrichesky Bridge was placed on subjects at w127.5 on the NWE-USAC route for early-December loading dates. A charterer for this route could not be confirmed.

A source said: "The market is certainly firmer and for the time being we are calling it w127.50, but this will move higher as we move further into the week."

Source: Platts