Seastar Chartering of Greece is selling one of its oldest units, a 13-year-old supramax.

Company sources confirm the 52,000-dwt Ermis (built 2004) has been sold for nearly $10.6m, which is a stronger-than-expected price. VesselsValue says the Onomichi-built ship is worth $9.9m.

European shipbroking sources say Chinese interests have purchased the Ermis.

Seastar, which has a modern bulker fleet with an average of six years, has owned the Ermis for 10 years. The company bought it from compatriot Order Shipping for $53m in April 2007 but clearly benefited strongly in trading the vessel in the hot market for a year.