Cargill is busy in the ­period market, fixing at least three bulkers.

The agricultural commodities giant chartered the 176,000-dwt Wan Mai (built 2012) for up to 12 months from New York-based Foremost Maritime. The rate is ­understood to be $15,250 per day.

Cargill has also taken a ship from Sinotrans, the 175,800-dwt Great Qin (built 2010), for 12 to 15 months at $15,500 per day.