Diana Shipping has fixed two of its capesize bulk carriers on medium-term charters, following a week in which spot rates and futures contracts saw significant gains.

Commodity trading giant Cargill has fixed Diana's 179,426-dwt Santa Barbara (built 2015) at a gross daily rate of $17,250, minus 4.75% commission, for 12 to 14 months.

The charter is expected to commence on Saturday and will run until 5 January 2022 at the earliest or...