Dry Cargo

Capes surge as tonnage in Atlantic basin thins

A sudden thinning of cape tonnage in the Atlantic basin as Brazilian miner Vale ramps iron ore exports saw the Baltic Dry Index leap yesterday, with analysts confident the cape sector could enjoy a very solid few weeks ahead.

The BDI climbed by 86 points or 4.61% yesterday, reaching 1950 points, with many expecting the index to break through the 2,000 barrier today.

Iron ore prices have been nosediving over the past week, with analysts expecting the fall to continue so miners have been anxious to sell as fast as they can while prices remain above rock bottom.

Cleaves Securities noted in a report yesterday that after capesize spot rates fell 28% in early August versus the July highs, the dynamics are changing once again in the Atlantic basin with the number of capes in and around Brazil over the next 30 days down to 91 (16m dwt). This compares with the current 30m tonnes run-rate of iron ore exports per month.

Cleaves said it was looking at upgrading its capesize spot rate forecasts of $20k per day and $16,000 per day for Q3 and Q4.

Norwegian brokers Fearnleys noted in its most recent weekly report that confidence has regained for the larger bulkers with some trading for as high as $28,000 a day this week.

“General outlook is positive reflected in FFA support and a hectic period ahead for extensive scrubber retrofits and IMO 2020 compliance,” a bullish Fearnleys noted.

London brokers Alibra Shipping noted yesterday that “sentiment remains positive overall” for capes.

 

Sam Chambers

Starting out with the Informa Group in 2000 in Hong Kong, Sam Chambers became editor of Maritime Asia magazine as well as East Asia Editor for the world’s oldest newspaper, Lloyd’s List. In 2005 he pursued a freelance career and wrote for a variety of titles including taking on the role of Asia Editor at Seatrade magazine and China correspondent for Supply Chain Asia. His work has also appeared in The Economist, The New York Times, The Sunday Times and The International Herald Tribune.
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