Handysize bulkers have not performed brilliantly in the sale-and-purchase market this year, but that is changing.

The number sold for further trading between January and September fell at an annual rate of 14%, a much steeper decline than the 0.7% drop noted overall in the dry bulk market, according to TradeWinds calculations based on data from Allied Shipping Research.

Panamaxes and supramaxes have been attracting much more attention as some companies, such as Star Bulk Carriers, purchased whole fleets.