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Decreases in bigger vessels drag down Baltic index

The Baltic Exchange's main sea freight index fell for a second straight session on Wednesday, pressured by losses in the bigger capesize and panamax vessel sections.

* The total index, which factors in rates for capesize, panamax and supramax shipping vessels, lost 108 points, or 4.5%, to 2,284 points.

* The capesize index was down by 300 points, or 7.5%, at 3,690, its least expensive level because Feb. 28.

* Average everyday incomes for capesize vessels, which typically transports 150,000-ton freights such as iron ore and coal, decreased by $2,492 to $30,601.

* The capesize index was the sole segment dealing with a decline, as a slowdown in Pacific engagements exerted downward pressure on average incomes, Intermodal Research Expert Chara Georgousi stated in a weekly note on Tuesday.

* Costs of Dalian iron ore futures increased, supported by growing expectations of a wave of production resumption among steelmakers in leading customer China.

* The panamax index snapped a 16-session winning streak, shedding 55 points or 2.4%, to 2,251 points.

* Average day-to-day revenues for panamax vessels, which usually carries about 60,000-70,000 tons of coal or grain freight, rose $497 at $20,260.

* Among smaller sized vessels, the supramax index, increased by 19 points, or 1.4%, to 1,370 points, increasing for a fifth straight session.

(source: Reuters)