Shortsea dry bulk shipping rates in Europe have slumped to near all-time lows, as rates for cargoes on mini-bulkers in the European trade fell consecutively for 10 weeks.

Freight rates fell a further 4.5% to €15.82 ($17.31) per tonne last week, according to the Fixbo index.

That is nearly 40% down on the start of the year and compares with rates of €26.42