In theNasdaq-listed operator’s first-quarter earnings report it admitted topurchasing the 179,100-dwt Conches(built 2011) from an unaffiliated third party.
The company said the vessel, which has beenrenamed Raiatea, officially changed hands on 24 April and cost approximately $53m.
According toa fleet profile found in today’s report the ship is earning a gross rate of$26,000 in a contract that will conclude in May 2014 at the earliestand January 2015 at the latest.
Today, 170,000-dwtbulkers trading in the spot market are seeing day rates of around $10,600 on average whiletonnage taken on time charter is commanding approximately $21,000.
WhenTradeWinds first reported that a deal was in the works observers notedthere were rumours suggesting KCH Shipping of South Korea sold the Conchesto Knightsbridge Tankers back in January. At the time, the unit was valued at $46mto $51.5m.
