Febbraio 2010
La compagnia greca Star Bulk Carriers ha acquistato per $ 42,5 milioni una rinfusiera Capesize del 2000 da 171.000 tonnellate in sostituzione di un’unità simile del 1992 ceduta a Luglio dello scorso anno per $ 19,7 milioni. Con il nuovo acquisto, la flotta di Star Bulk sale a 12 navi con un’età media di 10,2 anni.
Star Bulk Carriers Corp. (the "Company" or "Star Bulk") (NASDAQ: SBLK) today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire a Capesize bulk carrier of approximately 171,000 dwt, built in 2000 in Japan, for approximately $42.5 million from a third party. The vessel will be financed through a combination of company cash and bank debt.
The vessel, to be renamed the M/V Star Aurora, is currently expected to be delivered charter-free to Star Bulk within October/November 2010. Star Bulk intends to secure period time-charter employment for the vessel prior to its delivery to the Company.
The Company acquired the vessel to replace the Capesize Star Alpha which was sold and delivered to its buyers in the fourth quarter of 2009. This acquisition will bring Star Bulk's fleet to twelve vessels of approximately 1.1 million dwt and an average age of approximately 10.2 years.
Akis Tsirigakis, President and CEO of Star Bulk, commented: "We are pleased to acquire a younger capsize vessel of quality to replace the older one sold. Currently, our fleet is contracted 92% for 2010 and 46% for 2011 operating days, amongst the highest contract coverage. We continue to focus on enhancing shareholder value supported by our strong balance sheet and liquidity."
Fonte : Camera del Lavoro di Pozzallo
