The overall index, which factors in
rates for capesize, panamax and supramaxshipping vessels, was down 0.3% at
2,291 points.
The capesize index snapped its
nine-session rising streak, shedding 57 points, or 1.4%, to 4,148.
Average
daily earnings for capesize vessels, which typically transport 150,000-ton cargoes
such as iron ore and coal, decreased by $471 to $34,402.
Iron ore futures prices were mixed, as
investors digested a raft of key economic targets set by policymakers in top
consumer China’s annual meeting of the National People’s Congress.
The panamax index added 32 points, or
1.8%, to 1,805 points, its highest level since Jan. 3.
Average daily earnings for panamax
vessels, which usually carry about 60,000-70,000 tons of coal or grain cargo,
were up $281 at $16,242.
Among smaller vessels, the supramax index,
extended gains, adding 15 points, or 1.2%, to 1,297 points. It rose for a
fifteenth straight session.
Chinese
importers are believed to have purchased at least 65,000 metric tons of animal
feed corn from Ukraine in deals on Monday, European traders said on Tuesday.