The Baltic Exchange’s main sea freight index, which measures rates for ships carrying dry bulk commodities, rose on Wednesday, buoyed by firmer rates across all vessel segments.

* The main index BBDI, which tracks rates for capesize, panamax and supramax shipping vessels, added 73 points, or 3.8%, to 1,994 points. On Tuesday, the contract hit its lowest level since July 16.
* The capesize index (.BACI) was up 181 points, or 6%, at 3,187.
* Average daily earnings for capesize vessels (.BATCA), which typically transport 150,000-ton cargoes such as iron ore and coal, rose $1,505 to $26,434.
* Iron ore futures ticked down, as concerns of demand languishing in coming weeks in top consumer China and some investors liquidating positions to shift their focus to coking coal weighed.
* The panamax index (.BPNI) snapped a 15-session losing streak, up 18 points, or 1.1%, at 1,643.
* Average daily earnings for panamax vessels (.BPWT), which usually carry 60,000-70,000 tons of coal or grain, rose $166 to $14,791.
* Among smaller vessels, the supramax index (.BSIS) added 21 points, or 1.6%, to 1,300, its highest level since July 23.
Source: Reuters