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.

Chapters

1️⃣ Iron ore fundamentals

2️⃣ Ore quality, grades & specifications

3️⃣ Country overview: Australia, Brazil & Canada

4️⃣ Top global players, exporters & importers

5️⃣ Steelmaking methods: BF-BOF & EAF

6️⃣ Market outlook & future trends

SHIPPING 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 explained

3️⃣ Key chemical products explained: Caustic soda, sulphuric acid and more

4️⃣ Parceling explained

5️⃣ Heating & cooling systems explained

6️⃣ Contract of Affreightment (COA)

7️⃣ Global trading routes & major hubs

8️⃣ Tank cleaning procedures

9️⃣ Largest exporters/importers of chemicals

Whether 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