Baltic index rises to over two-week high as all vessels post gains

April 24 (Reuters) - The Baltic Exchange's dry bulk sea freight index extended gains on Thursday, reaching a more than two-week high, on stronger rates across all vessel segments.

The main index .BADI, which monitors rates for capesize, panamax, and supramax shipping vessels, rose by 53 points to mark its highest level since April 7, at 1,353 points.

The capesize index .BACI gained 114 points to its highest since April 8 at 1,846.

Average daily earnings for capesize vessels .BATCA, which typically transport 150,000-ton cargoes such as iron ore and coal, rose $945 to $15,307.

However, iron ore futures fell on a stronger supply outlook from rising shipments, although seasonal demand for the key steelmaking ingredient limited the decline. IRONORE/

The panamax index .BPNI was up 39 points, or 2.9%, to 1,372, highest since April 4.

Average daily earnings for panamax vessels .BPWT, which usually carry 60,000-70,000 tons of coal or grain, edged $349 higher to $12,345.

Among smaller vessels, the supramax index .BSIS climbed to a three-week high, adding 12 points, or 1.3%, to 976.