Greeks close to bulk carrier pair

Greek owner Laskaridis Shipping has ordered four 64,000dwt bulkers and 2 (+2) kamsarmax bulkers at Penglai Zhongbai Jinglu Ship Industry. Prior to these orders, Laskaridis exercised existing options for two 64,000dwt bulkers and signed a resale contract with Penglai Zhongbai for two panamax bulkers.

Greeks have been highly active in the secondhand market in weeks 19 and 20. Lion Shipbrokers report deals involving Navios, Swissmarine, Chartworld, A.M.Nomikos, Giavridis, LPL Shipping, Ionia Management, Paradise Navigation, Polembros and Lomar.

Safe Bulkers announced its unaudited financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2013. Net income for the first quarter of 2013 decreased by 25% to $16.1 million from $21.6 million during the same period in 2012. Adjusted EBITDA(1) for the first quarter of 2013 decreased by 14% to $27.4 million. Dr. Loukas Barmparis, President of the Company, said: "Our Board of Directors has declared our twentieth consecutive dividend since our IPO in the amount of $0.05 per share. We continue to be focused on reducing our counterparty risk through early redeliveries while strengthening our cash position..."

Navios has made a move in the secondhand market for two tanker vessels, according to latest broker reports. The KUROSHIO EXPRESS (dwt 47.999 blt 2005 Japan) and ORANGE EXPRESS (dwt 47.999 blt 2005 Japan) tanker vessels have been bought at a cost of USD 16.5 million.