Capesize Rate Jump Driven By Japanese Steel Market

Booming Capesize rates have been driven by increased Japanese steel production more than they were by the August market raid by Belgium's Bocimar when it chartered about 35 ships, according to shipping sources. Capesize spot rates have doubled over the last three months with the market now looking for $15-16,000 for a Pacific round trip, compared with about $7,500 in August. Atlantic rates have also soared, although this is partly due to the grounding of the 274,326 dwt ore carrier Weser Ore at Tubarao in Brazil last week.