Dry-cargo rates finished the week on a positive note despite further slips in the capsize index.

As is the want right now it was progress in the panamax and supramax markets which drove the improvement in the BDI.

Capesizes:

Kumba has hired the Aquafortune (built 2011) out of Saldanha for Qingdao at $14.50 per ton in the only contemporary ore deal recorded Friday.

Trafigura has collared the 158,400-dwt Silver Master (built 1996) out of Sines for the US and China at $24,750 daily.

LDH Energy has put $12,500 daily on the table for the 169,200-dwt Marvelous (built 2000) in Dhamra for Baltimore and Bayuquan.

Panamaxes:

NSC has taken on a Chinese newbuilding, the 79,500-dwt Grand Marcia, for 12 months at $10,000 daily. This is below the present quoted spot rate.

Brokers report activity in the Atlantic has cooled but note the mood remains upbeat. The Pacific has also got a little quieter for now with hope of a fresh rush of cargoes in the pipeline.

Transgrain has taken on the 75,500-dwt Sea Guardian (built 1999) at $18,500 daily for a trip to Paranagua and Iran starting and finishing PMO.

The 76,500-dwt Double Rejoice (built 2006) has gone at $18,000 daily for two laden legs from Ijmuiden to Skaw Cape-Passero. The 92,500-dwt Double Paradise (built 2011) will collect $17,250 daily out of Falmouth for the US and Skaw Cape Passero.

Chubu has picked up the 75,600-dwt Yasa Unity (built 2006) which will net $11,800 daily for an Australia to Japan run.

Supramaxes:

Dreyfus has taken on the 58,000-dwt Equinox Srat (built 2011) for four to six months at $12,400 daily.

D'Amico has paid $19,000 daily for the 52,400-dwt Oktem Aksoy (built 2003) for a Brazil to China jaunt.

WBC has booked the 56,000-dwt Anni Selmer (built 2009) on a relet from Sanko at $17,500 daily in the US for the continent.