Berge Bulk has been linked to the purchase of a 14-year-old capesize from Hong Kong’s Unique Shipping as it continues to expand its fleet.
Brokers said the Singapore-based shipowner has paid $11.7m for the 177,900-dwt Unique Carrier (built 2007).
VesselsValue says the SWS-built bulker is worth $10.9m.
Berge Bulk does not comment on its commercial activities, and Unique Shipping did not respond to requests for comment.
On Friday, some broking sources also reported that James Marshall-led Berge Bulk had purchased the 229,000-dwt Gaia Celeris (built 2006) for $12m. Others claimed that the bulker, which is owned by an affiliate of Japan's Kumiai Senpaku, had gone to Greek interests for $12m.
Berge Bulk bought six vessels last year. It sold five units for demolition and one bulker was sold for further trading.
The shipowner is listed with 17 handysizes, two ultramaxes and 56 large bulkers. Its oldest ship is the 384,800-dwt ore carrier Berge Stahl (built 1986).
Berge Bulk has an extensive newbuilding programme including several newcastlemaxes at Bohai Shipbuilding.
The Unique Carrier has long been the only bulker in the diversified fleet of Unique Shipping.
The capesize is one of 13 ships in its fleet, which includes LPG carriers, chemical and product tankers and a reefer, according to Clarksons.
VesselsValue data shows that Unique last sold a capesize bulker in 2016, offloading the 176,300-dwt Unique Brilliance (built 2002) for $14.2m. Renamed Sunny Conakry, the ship is now in the fleet of Winning Shipping.
