Shipping

Baltic Dry Index extends rally to fifth session as Capesize time‑charter earnings surge

25 August 2026
4 sources

The Baltic Dry Index on August 26, 2026 extended its upward run for a fifth consecutive session, with the Capesize segment leading gains as average time‑charter earnings climbed to around $42,000 per day and the index approached 3,000 points. This reflects strong demand for iron ore and coal shipments from the Atlantic and Pacific basins, amid tightening tonnage supply and ongoing commodity market volatility.

Trade press reports indicate that the Baltic Dry Index (BDI) on August 26, 2026 rose by about 130 points to roughly 3,056, marking the fifth straight session of increases. The Capesize index jumped around 6.3% to approximately 5,033 points, its highest level since mid‑August, while average daily earnings for Capesize bulkers increased by $2,700 to about $42,148 per day. Panamax and smaller segments also posted gains, supported by firm grain and minor bulk cargo flows, pushing the composite BDI close to levels last seen earlier in the summer.

Share this article

Related news

Shipping
18 Oct

Baltic Dry Index ends ten-session slide as Capesize rates strengthen

The Baltic Dry Index rose 1.39%, supported by Capesize earnings, but the dry-bulk market remains volatile after a sharp weekly decline.

2 sources
Shipping
18 Oct

Global container freight rates rise 130% since February amid Middle East tensions

Jefferies data shows global container freight rates reaching roughly $4,000–$4,500 per FEU, up from $2,000–$2,500 in February. Geopolitical risk, route changes and uncertainty over a possible return to the Suez Canal are driving the market.

3 sources
Shipping
17 Oct

SCFI Raises 40-Foot Container Weighting as European Rates Strengthen

The Shanghai Containerized Freight Index has adopted a revised methodology that lifts the weighting of 40-foot container rates to 55%. The change comes as European and Mediterranean freight rates rise while several US-bound lanes soften.

3 sources