“Handies are his first love. He made his money in that business and he has a fondness for it.”

Harry Vafias of Stealth Maritime explains why his father, Nikolaos, is returning to the dry bulk shipping business.

(Vafias senior back in action after five years)

We are in an extremely good position vis-a-vis the banks. We are repaying debt extremely fast, the banks love us and our loan to value covenants have decreased significantly.”

More love as Globus Maritime’s George Karageorgiou basks in the affection of bankers.

(Globus Maritime basks in improved profit outlook)

“With one bank having exercised its option rights regarding the four vessels, I am very pleased to have forged this close partnership with a strong strategic investor in the product tanker space.”

But Torm’s Jacob Meldgaard has been forced to sell ships after finding fewer loving bankers in chilly Copenhagen.

(Torm in forced sale)

“The days of the German capital market are definitely over - you have to look abroad.”

Tobias Konig explains why he will not be launching a new company in Germany as he winds down current ventures.

(Founding partners head for the exit at Scorship)

“All shipowners are equal, but some are more equal than others.”

Is Roger Ingles suggesting life on the P&I farm is not quite as mutual as it should be, or is it just that good things come to the meritorious.

(Hunt for alternatives to P&I rate increases proves a tough task)

“It appears somewhat unfair that the ‘inside’ few know fully the financial situation of the club, whereas the ordinary members and their brokers are very much in the dark.”

And the Omni broking group is also seeking a fairer deal for all.

(Broker calls for P&I clubs to be more transparent)

“Whatever dream team we build here in Athens, if one has mediocre people on board the ships they’ll only get so far.”

Seems that Ionic Shipping’s Spyros Vlassopoulos sees quality crew as a key part of the new dry bulk venture he is building.

(New Greek dry bulk player Ionic builds on bullish view of market)

“Today’s investor wants to make sure he has the right ship and is showing a strong preference for certain yards that have the right experience and technical ability.”

Steve Gordon of Clarkson Research Services believes it is still a buyers’ market as the green shoots of recovery appear in the shipyards.

(Recovery kicks in)

“The most important aspect of this as far as Noble Denton are concerned is that the e-mails themselves show that their employees or representatives contemplated being party to arrangements that involved paying bribes to public officials.”

We all knew that Noble Denton was clued up about marine engineering but Justice Andrew Smith reveals they also know about “greasing the authorities” a euphemism for bribery.

(Owner wins CTL battle)