Dry bulk shipping market finding some support, as owners take Capesizes off the market
20/07/2010 10:29:06
Dry bulk shipping market finding some support, as owners take Capesizes off the market capesize_cargo1234.jpgWith the Baltic Dry Index finally having reached bottom, at least according to market analysts, the dry bulk industry is looking to begin its long road of recovery in terms of hiring rates. After the first glimmer of hope received Friday with the halt of the BDI’s 35 day slide, Monday’s session was again on the positive side. The BDI ended at 1732 points, up by 12, with gains noted both in the capesize and the panamax end of the market. Still, shipbrokers’ reports have warned that demand from China remains subdued, which means that no particular “rally” should be expected in the near term. In its latest weekly report, Commodore Research & Analysis said that “recent spot chartering activity has decreased sharply from moderate levels seen at the start of the month. Two weeks ago, the steady increase in available vessel supply was largely responsible for the continued decline in freight rates. Last week’s decrease in freight rates, however, was largely due to the recent decline in spot cargo demand. A sharp week-on-week decrease in iron ore fixtures put additional pressure on capesize rates - but owners have reportedly begun to take their Capes out of the market in order to artificially reduce vessel supply, which would help capesize rates find support. This ploy might be working - capesize rates increased by 3.5% on Friday, after previously falling for 11 consecutive days and during much of June.
Panamax freight rates have also been finally able to find support. A moderate amount of South American grain fixtures and Indonesian and Australian coal fixtures continue...