Eagle Bulk Shipping Inc. (NASDAQ: EGLE) (Eagle Bulk), one of the world’s largest owner-operators within the midsize dry bulk vessel segment, on Tuesday (Sep13) announced that it has expanded its fleet with the purchase of a high-specification 2015-built scrubber-fitted Ultramax bulk carrier for USD 27.5 million.
The vessel, which was constructed at Imabari Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. in Japan, will be renamed the M/V Tokyo Eagle and deliver to the Company during the fourth quarter of 2022.
As previously disclosed, the Company closed on the sale of the M/V Cardinal (2004-built non-scrubber fitted Supramax) in August 2022. The vessel was sold for USD 15.8 million and delivered just prior to her statutory drydock due date.
Following these transactions, Eagle’s fleet will total 53 ships (91% scrubber-fitted) with an average age of 9.5 years. Since the Company commenced its vessel renewal and growth program, it has executed 51 S&P transactions, acquiring 30 modern vessels and divesting 21 of its oldest and least efficient ships. These sale and purchase transactions have enabled the Company to grow, while vastly improving overall fleet makeup; in terms of maintaining an attractive age profile, increasing cargo capacity per vessel, and reducing emissions on a per deadweight ton basis.