Axia Capital sees reasons for optimism for capesize owners.

Capesize rates are much stronger compared to a year ago, and more customers are locking in those rates for longer durations, suggesting they see a tighter market on balance.

"We believe that these factors make the 2017 capesize market worth watching," says Axia analyst Clinton Webb.

Capesize rates have fallen off from the torrid levels seen during late fall while the Chinese new year slowdown threatens to push rates down more.

Nonetheless,