Dry bulk shipping market

The supramax/ultramax owner-operator reported a loss of US$16.6 million in 4Q17, compared to a net loss of US$142.4 million in the same quarter the year before.

The Aquasurfer, a 2013 built capesize vessel of 178 854 DWT, is the sixth to deliver of seven initial capesize vessels acquired by the company.

The platform is intended to assist medium and small-scale importers and exporters with collectively gaining ‘big shipper’ rates.

The US dry bulk shipowner finished 2017 with a cash position of US$204.9 million, and established a presence in Singapore.

Dry bulk and container sector panel discussions are set to be held with major company executives.

Peter Sand, BIMCO, predicts overall demand growth of about 2-3% this year.

Crude oil and iron ore imports reached the highest levels recorded, with coal imports reaching the highest level in three years.

The company's ballast water treatment technology was issued an updated type approval certificate on 2 February.

Martin Crawford-Brunt has been appointed as CEO, replacing Warwick Norman who announced he would step down in 2017.

From 1 March 2018 the BDI will no longer include the Handysize timecharter average.