Taylor Maritime is said to have bought two Japan-built handysize bulkers from J Lauritzen.
Brokers reported that the Hong Kong-based owner has paid $9.5m apiece for the 31,887-dwt vessels Emma Bulker and Louise Bulker (both built 2010).
The sale price is roughly in line with what was reported for another Japan-built handy of a similar age sold in January, according to VesselsValue data.
The 29,600-dwt Trade Star, which was built at Shikoku in 2010, was sold for $9.2m by Japan's Nikko Kisento to Oryx Shipping of Greece.
Taylor's track record
If confirmed, this will be Taylor's first transaction in the sale-and-purchase market so far this year, after having bought 10 secondhand bulk carriers during 2018.
“I am not a believer in the cost of newbuildings today. I am a supporter of older, well-maintained ships built in the right yards," Edward Buttery, the company's founder, told TradeWinds in May.
Last year's acquisitions were all handysize vessels, including five open-hatch ships, plus a supramax, according to VesselsValue data.
All were Japan-built ships of between six and 15 years old, the data shows.
J Lauritzen said it did not comment on vessel sales. TradeWinds has contacted Taylor for comment.
