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Baltic index succumbs to third week on weaker rates throughout sectors

The Baltic Exchange's dry bulk sea freight index fell on Friday to log its third straight weekly decrease, weighed down by a dip in rates across all vessel sectors.

* The general index, which factors in rates for capesize, panamax and supramax shipping vessels, shed 41 points or 2.5% to 1,628 points, its lowest level in 7 weeks.

* The index was down over 10% for the week.

* The capesize index was down by 80 points, or 3.4%,. at 2,274. It logged a weekly increase of over 13%.

* Typical everyday revenues for capesize vessels,. which generally carries 150,000-ton cargoes such as iron ore. and coal, was down by $665 at $18,857.

* The panamax index fell by 38 points, or about. 2.2%, to 1,695 points. The contract was down for the 3rd. straight week.

* Typical everyday incomes for panamax vessels, which. normally brings about 60,000-70,000 tons of coal or grain cargo,. reduced by $346 to $15,255.

* Among smaller vessels, the supramax index shed 12. points, or about 1%, to 1,261 points. The agreement was down 5.3%. for the week.

* On the other hand, the U.S. Transportation Department on Friday. said it reached a contract with Baltimore County to revise an. $ 8.26 million grant contract to make it possible for Tradepoint Atlantic. ( TPA) to accommodate more cargo.

* The Dalian Product Exchange and the Shanghai Futures. Exchange will be closed on April 4 and 5 due to the. Tomb-Sweeping Day holiday in China, the bourses stated.

(source: Reuters)