The gap between spot rates commanded by small and large bulkers has widened over the past week.

Tramp earnings for handysize and supramax vessels have hit near 12-month highs, yet rates for capesizes and panamaxes have declined sharply.

The weighted time-charter average for the Baltic Handysize Index's seven benchmark routes was assessed $10 higher on Wednesday, putting it at $10,781 per day.