China Development Bank Financial Leasing (CDB Leasing) has agreed to acquire six ultramax bulkers from Danish owner Celsius Shipping for CNY 826.6m ($129.5m).
CDB Leasing identified the sellers as “six special-purpose companies located in the Marshall Islands, which are principally engaged in the shipping business”.
They are wholly-owned special-purpose companies of Greenheart Shipping LLC, whose ultimate beneficial owner is Hayfin Special Opportunities Credit Fund LP.
TradeWinds has learned that the six special-purpose companies were set up by Jeppe Jensen-led Celsius to own the bulkers.
The vessels are the Sainty Marine-built, 63,300-dwt GH Danzero (built 2014), GH Urban Sea, GH Sky Beauty and GH Galileo (all built 2017), and the Yangfan-built, 63,600-dwt GH Eclipse and GH Desert Orchid (both built 2019).
Officials at CDB Leasing were not available for comment. Celsius confirmed the vessels went to a Chinese buyer.
This is the Chinese leasing company's second major secondhand acquisition in the dry bulk space within as many weeks after it recently agreed to buy 11 bulkers from Clipper Group.
CDB Leasing's deal with the Danish shipowner saw it acquire two supramaxes, two ultramaxes and seven handysize bulkers for $140.45m.
Shipping sources said Celsius and Clipper will not be chartering back the bulkers from CDB Leasing.
Following the ship sales, Celsius is only left with two bulkers: the 63,000-dwt GH Northern Dancer (built 2017) and 63,560-dwt GH Dawn Run (built 2018).
Last month, Celsius sold the 63,000-dwt GH Seabird (built 2016) for $21.5m. The identity of the buyer was not disclosed.
Celsius has a diversified fleet with bulkers, tankers, containerships and an LNG carrier.
