Baltic freight index climbs on firmer capesize rates
The Baltic Exchange's main dry bulk shipping index rose Tuesday, lifted by higher capesize vessel earnings, according to Reuters data.
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what happened
A key Baltic Exchange measure of dry bulk shipping costs edged higher on Tuesday, supported by stronger returns on large capesize ships. The gauge tracks charter rates across the bulk carrier fleet.
The capesize sub-index jumped 157 points, or 4.67%, to 3,522. Daily earnings for these vessels, which typically haul 150,000-ton loads of iron ore and coal, climbed $1,427 to $28,442.
The headline Baltic index added 47 points, or 1.85%, to 2,593. Panamax vessels, usually carrying coal or grain, lost 39 points (1.71%) to 2,247, with daily earnings down $350 at $20,223. Supramax stayed flat at 1,868 points.
why it matters
Firmer capesize rates point to healthy demand for long-haul transport of large ore and coal cargoes. Iron ore futures, however, slipped as shipments rose and more vessels reached Chinese ports, signalling ample supply.
instruments
sources
- Baltic index gains as capesize segment strengthens — Reuters, 20 October 2026 at 12:34 UTC
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