Freight strength continues

摘要

The freight market has continued to reach record highs in recent weeks, with the Baltic Exchange Dry Index (BDI) peaking at 9,566 on Tuesday October 2. However, the market dipped slightly this week as the Chinese and Indian holiday seasons kicked in. Shipbrokers said interest in coal has been keeping freight buoyant and that several fixtures have been reported. One broker valued prompt spot capesizes on the Richards Bay to Rotterdam route, at around 43.50 dollars/t today from 44.50 dollars/t at the beginning of the week and 39.50 dollars/t two weeks ago. Panamaxes on the same route were valued at 44.79 dollars/t towards the end of this week, up from 43.90 dollars at the start of the week.