Capesize values continue to firm, with a 14-year-old unit breaking the $30m barrier. 

Brokers report Chinese buyers are sweeping the market for Korean-built ships. The Mineral Subic (179,397 dwt, built 2011, Hanjin Subic) has been widely reported sold for $30.25m — the first 2011-built Korean cape to print above the $30m level this year. The price lands well above recent Korean transactions, underscoring increasingly bullish sentiment. 

Just days earlier, the Rosemary (179,700 dwt, 2010, Daewoo) was said to have changed hands for $28.5m, already viewed as firm by market watchers. 

Two weeks back, the Cape Providence (179,600 dwt, 2009, Daewoo) fetched $26.2m with surveys due — further proof of a sharply rising curve. 

Meanwhile, the pricing gap versus Chinese-built candidates continues to widen. Primebulk’s Cape Aqua (178,100 dwt, 2009, SWS) reportedly went for $25.5m  a few weeks back, while the scrubber-fitted Hebei No. 1 (182,400 dwt, 2009, Dalian) was noted sold in early October at $25m. Current price spreads show Korean-built capes of similar vintage commanding premiums of $3mto $5m over their Chinese-built counterparts.