This year volumes of iron ore transportation by sea may grow to 5.7%, coal and grain up 3.8% over numbers in 2009, Ukrrudprom reports citing analysts' forecasts of JPMorgan Chase & Co.

The experts predict a 10% growth in average dry bulker’s charter costs thanks to increased demand for ships in China, which is likely to increase its iron ore and coal imports. Capesizes charter price used for transporting iron ore and coal might reach $32.000 a day from $28.000 forecasted earlier. Panamax ships charter may possibly grow $16.000 a day, against recent $14.000. Freight cost of a Supramax vessel was corrected from $13.000 to $14.000 a day. The average forecast of Handymax charter cost changed slightly - to $12.000 from $ 11.500 per day.

“Increase in imports of iron ore may follow the Chinese New Year celebration (February 14), as the steel companies there will begin to replenish stocks. Coal imports will also remain high, because of unfavorable weather", JPMorgan analyst Jonathan Chapel said.