The dry bulk market has started to revive from its ashed, as the past couple of days, traders have reported an increased activity from China, resulting in higher earnings for larger Capesize vessels. As a result, yesterday, the BDI (Baltic Dry Index) was up by 3.59 percent, reaching 722 points. The Baltic’s Capesize Index (BCI) was the biggest gainer, as it was up by an impressive 7.16 percent to 1,421 points. As a result of this, average daily earnings for Capesize vessels, typically used to transport coal and iron ore to China, reached $5,896, increased by $890 on the day. Traders and charterers indicated that China is on the process of iron ore restocking, as a result of higher steel prices.

According to Fearnley’s latest weekly report, commenting on the Capesize market, the shipbroker mentioned that “finally activity and rates picked up pretty good, as rates for west Australia to China improved from USD 7 to 7.35 and then to 8 in three days. The latter was for early dates, but still sending positive signals. For front haul, the index is presently at USD 19.50 - with owners rating around the 20 mark. And short period, which last week was fixed at USD 8000/low USD 8000, is presently USD 9000 (last done)” the report said.
By contrast, on the Panamax market, the Baltic’s Panamax Index was once again down by 1.27 percent to a mere 428 points, with oversupply of vessels being the key reason here, plaguing the market. As a result, average daily rates for the 60,000-70,000 vessels are now just $3,723 according to the Baltic Exchange.

Fearnley’s said on the Panamax market that it was “another week with softening rates in the Atlantic. Owners looking to cover their positions for an RV are now facing levels below USD 2k. These levels are well below Opex and some owners are reluctant to even do this and dropping anchor hoping to catch a big tuna instead. Front hauls are being fixed around 11-12k. In the Pacific, however, some positive remarks where rounds now are being fixed at ard USD 5k. China officials have announced approvals for a USD 100 billion stimulus package involving 25 new subway lines and thousands of kilometres with new high ways. This could lead to improved shipments of iron ore and coal for the future and might be what we are waiting for” the shipbroker noted.

On the Handy markets (Supramax and Handymax/Handysize vessels), Fearnley’s stated that “not a bad week for Supramax tonnage, if we compare Supramax developments to the bigger size tonnage. The rates have basically remained unchanged this week and only the front haul voyages from Baltic/BlSea were valued bit less by the comparison to last week numbers. Scrap cargoes from Baltic and Cont to East Med paid decent money at around USD 14/15k/day. USG to FE stems were paying in the region of 18,500/day. Average of TC routes finished at USD 8840, what a remarkable number compared to Panamax average. Pacific market became firm since last week with more cargoes and tight tonnage for spot cargoes. Indo-India rounds were around USD 12k bss Singapore dely. Nopac rounds were fixed at USD 8k dely dop Japan. Indian iron ore activity was quiet. WCI-India rounds were done at USD 7k and ECI-India was fixed at USD 5k. RBCT rounds were done at USD 8k + BB 250k bss APS. Red Sea fertilisers were fixed in high teens. Short period rates for large eco Supra were around USD 9k” the report said.

On a similar note on the Supramax size, Piraeus-based shipbroker Shiptrade & Services had noted that “Supramax market remained rather steady in low levels as the BSI index closed at 834 increased by 2 points than last week. Transatlantic rounds were seen closing at USD 4000 levels whilst there were some fixtures ex USG basis delivery Continent at USD 12000 levels. Most fronthaul trips were fixed at USD 15000 levels. In the pacific basin, market was surprisingly improved a little due to lack of spot positions. Thus we saw some fixtures for Indonesian rounds basis delivery Singapore at USD 10000 levels. NOPAC rounds were seen closing at USD 8000 levels basis DOP Japan. India as far as iron ore market is concerned, remained quite with fixtures ex India to China were closed at USD 7000 and USD 5000 for WCI and ECI respectfully. Red Sea fixtures with fertilisers to India were closed at USD high teens. Short period also remained quite with some fixtures at USD 8000”.
Source: Nikos Roussanoglou, Hellenic Shipping