Two Japan-built capesize bulk carriers have been reported sold during the past few days by Cobelfret and Nissen Kaiun.

Brokers, however, say the transactions do not necessarily mean a comeback for capes in the sale-and-purchase market.

Cobelfret is said to have sold the 177,036-dwt Lowlands Phoenix (built 2004) to Chinese buyers, thought to be Fujian Ocean Shipping, for $13.2m.