“The shipping market got so bad that I imagine they probably got scared when they heard. These aren’t shipping banks, so they might get more scared than other banks that are familiar with the cyclical nature of the industry.”

Nobu Su offers an explanation of why its banking relationship broke down prompting a Chapter 11 filing.

(TMT's survival hinges on 'the support of our banks', says Su)

“For four weeks TMT and Mr Su have been attacked from all directions. Today, Mr Su finally had the opportunity to tell his side of the story. He is a truly remarkable man with a truly remarkable story, and I believe that this is exactly what the court saw today.”

US lawyer, Evan Flaschen, has a very positive view of the client who is paying his fees.

(Bankruptcy showdown in Houston courthouse)

 “I don’t know how much money we will make or not make [but] any investment where you have largely covered the downside nowadays could be a decent investment because these days you don’t get the internal rates of return [IRRs] you used to get in the past.”

Seems that Petros Pappas has relatively even surprisingly modest expectations for a $1.3bn investment in newbuildings.

(Oceanbulk eyes up fresh contracts with Oaktree)

“At this stage, private equity is probably a bit better suited for the evolved traditional Greek shipowner. You can dispose of assets when you are private, you can take advantage of a good market, you can buy in a low market and you can do countercyclical investments.”

George Gourdomichalis explains why he is not thinking of an IPO to fund Blue Wall Shipping.

(Gourdomichalis brothers could net $180m for Blue Wall)

“We bought that ship extremely expensive, and the least we want is to get the money that we had agreed to get paid for the bareboat charter....These people are unbelievable — unbelievable.”

Harry Vafias explains why he is hammering on Grand China Logistics door demanding $4m outstanding on a chartering deal.

(Vafias renews legal action in Grand China charter row)

“We Greeks are here to stay, we have it in our genes. However hard the business is, we will survive. We know how to handle difficult situations and are trained to deal with unusual circumstances. Every problem has a solution, sometimes it just takes time to find it.”

Seemsnationality is a bankable bonus for Ion Varouxakis of FreeSeas.

(FREElooks to the future)

“Considering current market fundamentals as well as the outlook for both demand and supply for suezmaxes, we don’t expect any visible improvement in earnings nor asset values in the foreseeable future.”

DVB puts a damper on expectations and expects 2014 to bring more pain.

(Bank calls for cull)

“Gard did not become what it is today by luck or default. It has progressed through solid team work, strong business performance, productive financial and human capital and, above all, a robust knowledge base and forward-looking culture.”

An assessment of the Norwegian insurance group’s position at a moment of transition by Gard chairman, Stephen Pan.

(Isacson warned against market complacency)

“Gard is a Norwegian company and has this culture and identity that is one of its merits in the market.”

But Bengt Hermelin, set to be the next chairman of Gard, has an open mind about where in the world he will find a replacement for the late Claes Isacson.

 “We take the view we will not give reductions, but we are seeing reductions in the market and more pressure on rates.”

John Wiik believes the Norwegian Hull Club has a sufficiently strong position to resist a soft market.

(Norwegian Hull Club sees strong start to 2013)