New York-listed Safe Bulkers has denied that it is expanding its fleet with the purchase of a five-year-old, Japanese-built kamsarmax.
Brokers said the Greek shipowner has purchased the 81,000-dwt Precious Sky (built 2015), which is owned by Mitsubishi Corp's Diamond Bulk Carriers.
The Tsuneishi-built reportedly ship changed hands for $22m to $22.5m, slightly more than VesselsValue's estimate of $21.4m. It passed special survey this spring.
A spokesman for Polys Hajioannou-led Safe Bulkers categorically denied that the company is involved in a purchase.
"It is not us. We have not even inspected the ship," the spokesman said.
The company has a fleet of 42 bulkers ranging from panamax to capesize. The purchase would be the first for Safe Bulkers in more than two years.
So far this year, the company has sold two post-panamaxes and two panamaxes.
