Baltic index logs second weekly gain on higher rates across vessels

April 25 (Reuters) - The Baltic Exchange's dry bulk sea freight index rose on Friday and posted its second straight weekly gain, helped by higher demand across all vessel segments.

The main index .BADI, which monitors rates for capesize, panamax and supramax shipping vessels, added 20 points, or 1.5%, to 1,373. The index was up nearly 9% for the week.

The capesize index .BACI gained 43 points, or 2.3%, to 1,889. The index was up more than 12% during the week.

Average daily earnings for capesize vessels .BATCA, which typically transport 150,000-ton cargoes such as iron ore and coal, increased by $360 to $15,667.

The panamax index .BPNI rose by 20 points, or 1.5%, to 1,392. The index extended gains to a second straight week and was up over 9% for the week.

Average daily earnings for panamax vessels .BPWT, which usually carry 60,000-70,000 tons of coal or grain, increased by $183 to $12,528.

Among smaller vessels, the supramax index .BSIS dropped one point to 977. The index, however, was headed for second weekly gains, adding 2.8% during the week.