Baltic Supramax Index To Replace Baltic Handymax Index

The Baltic Exchange has announced that it intends to cease publication of the Baltic Handymax Index (BHMI) on 23 December 2005. The benchmark dry freight index will be replaced by the Baltic Supramax Index (BSI) on 3 January 2006.

Following a trial month, the BSI route assessments and index will be published in tandem with BHMI from 1 July 2005. This is an extension of the dual reporting period anticipated in the announcement of 30 June 2004.

The Baltic Supramax Index will be published both as a dollar and index figure enabling direct comparison with other Baltic indices.

In a separate move the Baltic has made a minor adjustment to route 2A_03 of the Baltic Panamax Index with the voyage duration extended from 60/65 to 60/75 days. The change takes place on 4 January 2005.