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Baltic index posts worst week in more than 2 months

The Baltic Exchange's main dry bulk sea freight index extended declines on Thursday to publish its worst week considering that early January, pressed by weaker rates across all segments.

* The total index, which factors in rates for capesize, supramax and panamax shipping vessels, fell by 24 points, or 1.3%, to 1,821 points, its least expensive level considering that Feb. 22. The index registered its second straight weekly decline.

* The capesize index lost 1 indicate 2,637 and has slipped over 24% for the week.

* Average everyday profits for capesize vessels, which typically carries 150,000-ton cargoes such as iron ore and coal, decreased by $9 to $21,866.

* Iron ore futures were blended for the day, with China's. Dalian contract falling for a third consecutive day, hurt by a. sluggish start to China's construction season and greater supply from. Brazil.

* The panamax index, fell 62 points or 3.2%, at. 1,879 points. The index logged its biggest weekly fall given that. Feb. 2.

* Average day-to-day incomes for panamax vessels, which. normally carries about 60,000-70,000 tons of coal or grain freight,. fell $557 at $16,913.

* Amongst smaller sized vessels, the supramax index dropped. 22 points to 1,331 points.

* Meanwhile, the Port of Baltimore remained shut following. the collapse of Francis Scott Key Bridge on Tuesday after being. struck by a ship.

* While the flow of containers to Baltimore can likely be. redistributed to larger ports, there could be major interruptions. in shipping cars, coal and sugar.

(source: Reuters)