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Baltic index strikes near 3-week high up on firm demand across sectors

The Baltic Exchange's main dry bulk sea freight index climbed to its greatest level in nearly three weeks on Tuesday, as rates rose throughout all vessel sections.

* The general index, which consider rates for capesize, supramax and panamax shipping vessels, rose by 49 points, or 2.8%, to 1,779 points, its greatest level considering that March 28.

* The capesize index firmed 102 points, or about 4%,. to 2,631, a three-week peak.

* Typical daily earnings for capesize vessels,. which generally carries 150,000-ton cargoes such as iron ore. and coal, increased by $849 to $21,819.

* Iron ore futures fell, with the Dalian contract falling. for the first session in seven, as investors reconsidered. stimulus prospects from leading consumer China after its. first-quarter economic growth topped forecasts.

* The panamax index was up 18 points, or about 1%,. at 1,754 points. The index rose for a fourth straight session.

* Typical day-to-day profits for panamax vessels, which. generally brings about 60,000-70,000 tons of coal or grain freight,. got $162 to $15,785.

* Amongst smaller vessels, the supramax index ticked. up by 31 points, or 2.4%, to 1,311 points.

* Meanwhile, the FBI said on Monday it opened a criminal. probe into the collapse of a Baltimore bridge in March when a. ship crashed into a bridge assistance, while local officials. verified the recovery of a 4th body from the occurrence.