The coronavirus is delaying completion of some demolition deals, especially those with Chinese crew members or vessels planning to call in China before heading to the breakers.

But European demolition brokers said the problems have not stopped the capesize bulkers from going on the block for recycling deals.

Prudent shipowners are diverting their vessels to other ports if China had been on their itinerary.

That is the decision facing Pan Ocean’s 149,000-dwt bulker New Joy (built 1998), for which offers are scheduled for Thursday on an as is basis.

The ship was originally scheduled to discharge in Qingdao, China. It is now likely to be sold with delivery in Bangladesh or India to eliminate coronavirus risk, though a decision on cargo discharge is not clear.

Meanwhile, Diana Shipping’s deal to sell the 164,000-dwt bulker Norfolk (built 2002) for scrap, announced earlier this month, has collapsed and the vessel is back on the market again. The ship missed its cancelling date, but the deal's failure was not related to the virus, TradeWinds is told.

The Norfolk had been earlier reported sold for $398 per ldt as is in Singapore.

Fresh capesize deals continue to emerge. South Korea’s Polaris Shipping has sold its 178,000-dwt bulker Solar Breeze (built 2000). The ship has gone to Bangladesh for a quite firm $403 per ldt or $8.9m. The company had purchased the Solar Breeze was from a Japanese shipowner for $17.5m in November 2012.

Good bye Laredo

Little-known bulker player Laredo Marine of Cyprus is selling a second capesize in a few weeks. The 171,000-dwt Victory (built 1996) has been sold to Bangladesh for $401 per ldt, or $8.4m.

Only a few weeks ago, the company sold another vintage ship, the 169,000-dwt Alice (built 1997), to Bangladesh for an undisclosed price.

Laredo is now left with the 171,000-dwt bulker Parker (built 1996). This 24-year-old capesize is due for special survey in September next year.

Another low-profile company company, Laguna Shipping and Trading, has reportedly sold its only vessel, the 149,000-dwt bulker Lisa 2 (built 1995). The ship was reported sold for demolition in Bangladesh, fetching $385 per ldt, or $7.1m.