Capesize Rates

Capesize Holds Steady, Panamax Drops

Capesize rates remained very steady worldwide, but panamax rates were weaker in the Atlantic, brokers said. There were unconfirmed reports that Navix had fixed Belmaj 149,000 dwt delivery Indonesia end-March for a trip via Australia to Japan at $29,000 daily. Cargill booked Bottiglieri tonnage for 54,000 tons heavy grain U.S. Gulf/Japan for end-March at $21.75, having previously failed on subjects with the Bottiglieri re-let Darya Geeth at $22. Brokers said South America was still relatively inactive with few signs yet of firmer rates for panamaxes or handysizes. The Baltic Dry Index (BDI) shed five points to 1,640, the Baltic Panamax Index fell 22 to 1,573, the Baltic Handy Index slipped one to 1,109 but the Baltic Capesize Index rose six points to 2,247.

Panamax Rates Hold Firm

Asia's Panamax rates for dry bulk cargo are expected to remain firm this week on strong vessel demand for grain and mineral exports and support from a rebound in Capesize, traders said. "Panamax freight rates are holding firm this week," said a shipping trader in Seoul. "The rates are a bit firmer than we expected ahead of the slow summer season." Active grain and oilseed exports from South America were providing support to the Panamax market

Freight Rates Dip For First Time This Month

The Baltic indices indicated perhaps some changing conditions in the dry cargo market, with the Baltic Capesize Index falling for the first time this month on evidence of weaker conditions in the Far east and South Africa. The panamax index, however, took up the forward running on the basis of firmer rates conceded by charterers in the north Atlantic and the Pacific, they added. The Baltic Freight Index (BFI) rose nine points to 1,406, the Baltic Panamax Index gained 15 points to 1,350

Diana Shipping Takes Delivery of Capesize Bulk Carrier

Diana Shipping Inc. has taken delivery of the 180,235 dwt Capesize dry bulk carrier, to be renamed Aliki, built in 2005 by Imabari Shipbuilding Co., Saijo Shipyard. The agreement to purchase this vessel was originally announced on March 6, 2007. As previously announced, the Company has entered into a time charter contract with Cargill International S.A. for the Aliki for a minimum 46 to maximum 49 month period at an average rate of $48,500 per day

Genco Shipping & Trading Ltd. Takes Delivery of Fourth Capesize Vessel

Genco Shipping & Trading Limited (NYSE: GNK) announced that it has taken delivery of the Genco Titus, a 177,000 dwt Capesize newbuilding. The Genco Titus is the fourth vessel to be delivered to the Company under Genco's previously announced agreement on July 18, 2007 to acquire nine Capesize vessels from companies within the Metrostar Management Corporation group. The Company expects to deliver the Genco Titus to its charterer, Cargill International S.A

SS&Y Capesize Indices

SS&Y Pacific Capesize Index Plummets 243 Points Shipbrokers Simpson, Spence and Young's Pacific Capesize Index fell 243 points to 5,259 in the week ending May 8. "The Pacific Capesize index fell after the holidays in the Far East, with early vessels becoming the victims of a lack of inquiry," SS&Y said. "A $1 fall on the Queensland/Rotterdam route (120/150,000 ton cargo) was certainly not going to help the index, which witnessed its first serious decline since January," SS&Y added.

Dry Bulk Trends

Little Change Seen In Dry Cargo Market The dry cargo freight market was generally little changed last week, with Capesize conditions remaining basically steady but quiet, brokers said. Panamax activity was brisk from South America, but rates failed to advance as rapidly as owners had hoped for, they added. However, some firmer rates were seen, with Cosco's fixture of a 1990-built 74,000 dwt vessel delivery north Brazil trip China at $11,500 daily plus a $250,000 ballast bonus.

Genco Takes Delivery of New Capesize

Genco Shipping & Trading Limited (NYSE:GNK) has taken delivery of the Genco Hadrian, a 170,500 dwt Capesize newbuilding. The Genco Hadrian is the sixth vessel to be delivered to the Company under Genco's previously announced agreement on July 18, 2007 to acquire nine Capesize vessels from companies within the Metrostar Management Corporation group. The Company has commenced a time charter upon delivery of the Genco Hadrian with Cargill International S.A

Genco Takes Delivery of Capesize Newbuild

Genco Shipping & Trading Limited (NYSE:GNK) announced that it has taken delivery of the Genco Commodus, a 170,500 dwt Capesize newbuilding. The Genco Commodus is the seventh vessel to be delivered to the Company under Genco's previously announced agreement on July 18, 2007 to acquire nine Capesize vessels from companies within the Metrostar Management Corporation group. The Genco Commodus is expected to be delivered to its charterer, Morgan Stanley Capital Group Inc

OceanFreight Inc. New Charter

OceanFreight Inc. (NASDAQ: OCNF), a global provider of seaborne transportation services for both drybulk and energy commodities, announced a new charter for the recently acquired 180,000DWT, 2005 built capesize vessel. Upon delivery, the vessel will be renamed M/V Montecristo and will commence employment on a time charter for a minimum period of four years at a gross rate of $23,500 per day and a maximum of eight years at an average gross rate of $24,125 per day for the optional period.