The Atlantic basin is keeping capesize rates firm amid good demand for coal cargoes and limited spot availability as more ships reposition in the Pacific.

The Baltic Exchange's C8 index of spot rates for round-trip Atlantic voyages rose to $26,235 per day Tuesday, its best level in two years.

The C8 voyage has been outperforming the Baltic's capesize rate composite index since mid-October, rising 22% versus a 7% rise in average capesize rates.