Petros Pappas-led Star Bulk Carriers, Cobelfret and the Reuben Brothers have taken on period cover for large bulkers during the festive period it emerged today as the Baltic Dry Index declined on the first trading day of 2017.

Star Bulk has fixed out the previously-spot trading 182,000-dwt Peloreus (built 2014) to ECTP, the Baltic Exchange reported.

A rate of $12,000 per day is being placed on the pre-Christmas contract, a faction above the $11,277 per day available in the improving spot market today.