Publicity-shy Isle of Man bulker owner MX Bulk has achieved a firm price for an 82,000-dwt resale due to be delivered by Tsuneishi Zhoushan in December.
The bulker, to be named Vorana Manx, fetched $40m, according to sources.
It is a higher price than recent resales of other kamsarmaxes due for delivery next year, and reflects the strong dry bulk market.
The price premium paid is likely to be for the planned delivery from the yard in December or January.
It is unclear how much the owner originally paid for the vessel.
No comment
MX Bulk managing director Sean Dawson said it is company policy not to discuss commercial matters publicly.
It remains unclear who is behind MX Bulk. Some sources say Norway's Lars T Ugland is involved in the operation, but he insists this is not the case.
The Ugland family has long-standing relations with Japanese shipbuilders, especially Tsuneishi.
Others say Pacific Basin has a small stake in MX Bulk.
Newbuilding orders made by the company are never announced when concluded.
MX Bulk's website lists seven ultramaxes, two kamsarmaxes — including the Vorana Manx — and one managed supramax bulker, the 58,000-dwt Gillingham (built 2010).
Lars Ugland is the uncle of Knut Nikolai Ugland, who is the owner of Norway's JJ Ugland.
