* The overall index, which factors in rates for capesize, panamax and supramax shipping vessels, was up 41 points, or about 2.9%, at 1,465 - its highest since Dec. 23.
* The capesize index gained 77 points, or about 4.4%, to a more than 11-week high of 1,821.
* Average daily earnings for capesizes , which typically transport 150,000-tonne cargoes such as iron ore and coal, increased $633 to $15,099.
* Iron ore futures climbed on Monday as improving profitability of steel mills and demand outlook in top steel producer China lifted sentiment, although regulatory concerns capped gains.
* The panamax index rose 26 points, or about 1.6%, to a near four-month high of 1,680.
* Average daily earnings for panamaxes , which usually carry coal or
grain cargoes of about 60,000 to 70,000 tonnes, increased $237 to $15,121.
* Among smaller vessels, the supramax index was up 26 points at
1,225.
(Reporting by Ananya Bajpai in Bengaluru; Editing by Shailesh Kuber)
