The Baltic Exchange’s dry bulk freight index climbed sharply on Thursday, advancing for a second session and rising 4.7% to 3,488 points, its highest reading since October 2021, according to a report published by reports on 3 September 2026.

The movement was recorded as a notable uptick in chartering costs for vessels that carry dry bulk commodities. The Baltic Dry Index is the benchmark that measures rates for ships moving consignments such as iron ore and coal, and sources noted the index’s rise in its market update.

That report highlighted that shipping rates have increased markedly amid stronger demand for a range of bulk cargos. It specifically identified iron ore and coal among the commodities drawing greater tonnage requirements, describing the rise in freight as significant.

Trading pattern and level reached

The index’s advance on Thursday represented a continuation of a rally that had already been under way the previous session. At 3,488 points the Baltic Dry Index reached a level not seen since October 2021, a detail emphasised in the reports item dated 3 September 2026.

A short summary of the chief figures published:

  • Change on Thursday: +4.7%.
  • Index level reported: 3,488 points.
  • Noted as the highest reading since: October 2021.
  • Commodities singled out: iron ore and coal.

Source and report focus

Sources published the item that supplied these figures and observations on 3 September 2026. The outlet’s account concentrated on the index movement and the role of increased demand for iron ore, coal and other dry bulk cargos in driving higher freight rates.

The report framed the development as a clear upward move in the dry bulk market over two consecutive sessions, offering the listed index value and the commodity classes it said were most implicated in the shift.

For market participants and observers the published numbers provide a current snapshot of chartering costs for dry bulk trades and indicate where the Baltic Exchange’s benchmark stood on the date of the report. The reports piece remains the published source for the figures and descriptions cited here.