Norwegian asset manager Ness, Risan & Partners (NRP) has announced a sale-and-purchase deal with Japanese partners for a new multipurpose boxship.

The company said it had "facilitated" an agreement that will see the 2,900-dwt Nanoq Arctica (ex-Agnethe Arctica, built 2020) leased back to previous owner Royal Arctic Line over the long term.

NRP did not disclose the amount involved in the financing, but said it was concluded with Japanese investors.

The company added that the vessel went directly into a long-term sale-and-leaseback contract with Royal Arctic, owned by the government of Greenland.

"The vessel will ensure safe and efficient transport of food and goods to the people of Greenland," NRP said.

The vessel is one of two delayed Arctic multipurpose boxships that were put up for sale at the Remontowa yard in Poland last year by Royal Arctic after it experienced delays.

The new owner is now listed as Sedna Partners. The ownership of the sistership, Jonathan Arctica, is not known.

Royal Arctic told TradeWinds it currently has no plans to charter in the second vessel.

The duo were put up for sale by the yard for €12m ($13.21m) each.

Royal Arctic had said the vessels were seriously delayed and the deal with Gdansk-based Remontowa was ripped up in 2016.

It subsequently received "significant" refunds after what it called in 2017 a "difficult debate" over the vessels.

In March, NRP said it was carrying out a wide-ranging review of all its investments in the face of the coronavirus chaos.

The company added that the spread of Covid-19 was impacting businesses and economies worldwide, as stock markets suffered record falls.

NRP has been snapping up bulker tonnage in recent months, in cooperation with shipowners, such as Empros Lines and W Marine. It also has containerships and product tankers.

The company’s shipping funds had an interest in 24 vessels worth a combined $300m in 2018.

Sister operation NRP Maritime Asset Management told TradeWinds in November it was planning an expansion of its investment and ship financing funds.