Brokers claim a deal involving the 48,000-dwt Houyoshi Express (built 2004) and Japanese interests started taking shape in mid-November but are told it won’t change hands until next month.
VesselsValue.com, which believes similar units to be worth upwards of $16m in today’s market, and other industry databases identify the seller as Mitsui OSK Lines affiliate Asahi Tanker.
The price tag tied to the tanker, which is widely expected to join Oceanbulk of Greece upon delivery, is nearly $3m lower than the premium that Athens-based compatriot Tenamaris is said to have paid to pick up the 46,000-dwt product carrier Seaexpress (built 2007).
Pappas
