The WCI is based on actual agreed freight assessments reported so is a close indication of true market rates.
The forward curve for the SCFI Shanghai to NW Europe, meanwhile, was trading on Wednesday at $1,053 for March and $1,341 for Q3.
Clarksons freight derivative broker David Barnes commented: "Shanghai-Eur offers retreated this afternoon (Thursday) on the back of a very strong return from the WCI Index - an increase of over 100% on Asia-Europe and Asia-Med.
"Should the SCFI follow suit tomorrow (Friday), there is no reason to suggest that we wont see a substantial increase there too. Those that bought nearby contracts earlier this week will see their strategy begin to bear fruit."