The Baltic Exchange's main sea freight index, tracking rates for ships ferrying dry bulk products, published a weekly decline on Friday, as rates for the bigger capesize section likewise succumbed to the week.

* The total index, which factors in rates for capesize, panamax and supramax shipping vessels, edged up by 1 point, or 0.06%, to 1,797 points.

* The index fell for the 2nd successive week, dropping by 2.55%.

* The capesize index inched up 29 points, or 1.12%,. to 2,613. The index signed up a weekly decline of over 2.31%.

* Average everyday revenues for capesize vessels,. which usually carries 150,000-ton cargoes such as iron ore. and coal, increased by $242 to $21,674.

* Iron ore futures traded within a restricted range however were on. course for a second consecutive weekly gain, buoyed by sustained. hopes of increased need from China following a wave of. property stimulus.

* The panamax index was down by 8 points or about. 0.44% to 1,824 points. The agreement was a little up by 0.05%. today.

* Typical everyday profits for panamax vessels, which. typically brings about 60,000-70,000 tons of coal or grain cargo,. lost $76 to $16,416.

* Amongst smaller sized vessels, the supramax index was down. by 19 points, to 1,326 points and tape-recorded a weekly decrease of. 5.62%.