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Baltic index reaches over one-month high on stronger vessel rates

The Baltic Exchange's dry bulk sea freight index struck a more than onemonth high on Monday, as climbing rates throughout all vessel sections pushed rates higher.

* The general index, which consider rates for panamax, supramax and capesize shipping vessels, was up 19 points, or 1.2%, at 1,629 points, its highest because Jan. 10.

* The capesize index gotten by 9 points, or 0.4%, to 2,457.

* Typical everyday earnings for capesize vessels, which normally carry 150,000-ton cargoes such as iron ore and coal, increased by $74 to $20,378.

* The panamax index rose for a tenth straight session to hit a three-week high, as it included 35 points, or 2.1%, to 1,681 points.

* Average everyday earnings for panamax vessels, which typically bring about 60,000-70,000 lots of coal or grain freight, were up by $315 at $15,132.

* Amongst smaller vessels, the supramax index increased by 19 points at 1,090 points, touching its highest level since Jan. 11.

* A Greece-flagged, U.S.-owned cargo ship reported two missile attacks on Monday in the Gulf of Aden and called for military assistance, Greek shipping ministry sources and British maritime security company Ambrey stated.

(source: Reuters)