German player Oldendorff Carriers has been active, taking the 174,000-dwt Aquafortune (built 2011) for 11 to 13 months at a spot-related rate with a floor of $15,500 per day.

Swiss Marine has also been busy. It took the 179,000-dwt Navios Bonheur (built 2010) for 11 to 14 months at $15,500 per day.

Spot rates for capes increased $1,300 per day to stand at $9,600 per day by Wednesday.