The Baltic Exchange's main index of sea freight rates, which tracks the rates for ships transporting dry bulk goods, has risen for the second consecutive week, as rates for larger vessel segments have increased.

* The overall index which includes rates for capesizes, panamaxes and supramaxes shipping vessels increased 12 points or 0.64% to 1,881 on Friday. The index recorded a gain of 3.64% for the week.

* The capesize Index gained 21 points or 0.71% to 2,998. It increased by 6.31% in the past week.

The average daily earnings of capesize ships, which transport cargos such as coal and iron ore, typically weighing 150,000 tons, increased by $178 to $24,867.

* Iron ore Futures also rose for the second session in a row, supported by easing worries over demand prospects for China and firming betting for an interest rate reduction in September from the U.S. Federal Reserve.

* The panamax Index was up by 19 points or 1.1% to 1,750. The contract ended a losing streak of three weeks and grew 3.34% in the past week.

The average daily earnings of panamax vessels that carry 60,000 to 70,000 tons coal or grain cargo increased from $169 up to $15,752.

The supramax index for smaller vessels fell 1 point, to 1,254 or its lowest level since February 28. The index showed a weekly drop of 1.89%. (Reporting from Anmol Choubey, Bengaluru. Editing by Shreya Biwas)