Danish owner Norden says the highs reached in the final few months of 2013 were influenced by Chinese stockpiling rather than market fundamentals.

Martin Badsted, executive vice president of the owner, said: “[Rates] will be better from here, but not as strong as in the fourth quarter last year.”

His comments came after Noden reported a loss of $41.60m in the second quarter, deeper than the $22.38m