Vessel types

The following factors were considered in choice of vessel types:

• Standard types were chosen in 10 size categories; these are considered characteristic of the market, due to the large number of vessels in these categories.
• The vessels have been subdivided into groups, i.e. those with loading gear (GEARED) and those without (GEARLESS) and those with and without (GEARED / GEARLESS).
• The groups with small cargo capacity have been restricted to the COMPACT types, to avoid distorting the picture by the inclusion of large multipurpose vessels.
• The groups with large cargo capacity have been limited to cell-type vessels (CELLED).
• The comparative parameter is the US dollar rate per 14t/slot, because this permits optimal comparison with other vessels.
• The comparative parameter is the US dollar rate per 14t/slot, because this permits optimal comparison with other vessels.
• Apart from the smallest group, the time charter period is fixed at a minimum of 3 months.