If it has felt like capesize bulkers have changed hands at an unusually fast pace this year so far, it is because they have. In fact, the number of deals has hit a record high.

Another deal was reported late last week that shows how prices have firmed for bulk carriers that are more than 10 years old.

Clarksons has tracked a total of 203 bulkers of 17m dwt reported sold in the secondhand market this year.