Pangaea Logistics Solutions takes delivery of two ultramax newbuildings

Further, the company has purchased its joint venture partner's 50% interest in NBVH, which will give the company full control of both new ships.

"The delivery of Bulk Destiny and Bulk Endurance completes our current newbuilding program of six ice class bulk carriers," said Edward Coll, Chairman and CEO of Pangaea Logistics Solutions Ltd.  "The new ships were immediately employed to service our cargo portfolio and, with their ice class designations, nicely complement our existing ice class fleet of eight vessels, bringing our ice class fleet to ten ships.  Oshima-built ships are of the highest quality in design and construction and we are excited about the value they will add to our business for years to come."

The Company has financed the vessels under separate agreements. The Bulk Destiny was financed under a sale-leaseback transaction for a total of $21 million, inclusive of the purchase price at the end of the seven-year lease term. The company obtained commercial financing with a European bank for the Bulk Endurance, which is apportioned into a senior debt tranche of $16 million and a junior debt tranche of $3.5 million.

Additional business updates

The company announced that the counterparty to a long-term contract of affreightment (COA), a major alumina producer that filed for bankruptcy early in 2016, was acquired by a new entity that has assumed the COA under its existing terms. This contract employs three company vessels in a shuttle service, and extends through 2025.

The company also recently loaded its one-millionth tonne of cargo under a logistics-based COA to provide for the transportation of approximately 3.5 million short t of construction material to a major port on the Unites States' east coast. This COA is continuously serviced by four ultramax vessels.

Coll added: "In a tumultuous time for long-term commitment in the dry bulk business, we have secured new tonnage for our fleet and attractive financing packages with world class lenders.  Our cargo customers recognize and appreciate the efforts we make to expand our services and their markets.  We look forward to working more with our new partners as we grow our business."

Read the article online at: https://www.drybulkmagazine.com/shipping/01022017/pangaea-logistics-solutions-takes-delivery-of-two-ultramax-newbuildings/