Greek owner Samos Steamship has reportedly sold its oldest bulker, a 15-year-old VLOC.
US brokers said the 229,000-dwt Vathy (built 2004) fetched $4m, but other sources say this price is way off the mark.
VesselsValue estimates a ship with the characteristics of the Namura-built Vathy is worth $11.3m and has a demolition value of more than $9.3m, while Maritime Strategies International estimates the vessel is worth $17.2m.
Samos bought the vessel as G Pegasus in 2016 for $12.7m. Last year, it collided with a fishing vessel in the Yellow Sea.
The shipowner's managing director, Kostis Antonopoulos, said he cannot comment on the Vathy, citing confidentiality matters.
Samos is listed with 10 bulkers on the water. After expansion in the past couple of years, the Greek company also has 10 tankers in its fleet.
Antonopoulos said Samos likes a nice balance between the investments in the tanker and bulker sectors.
Last year, the shipowner placed an order for two suezmax tankers at Japan Marine United, reportedly at $62.5m each. Both of thee vessels, which are equipped with scrubbers, are due to be delivered next year.
The company also has two aframaxes on order at Sumitomo Heavy Industries, scheduled for delivery in 2021 and 2022.
They are believed to be costing $48m each and are being built to the IMO’s Tier III emission standards.
All Samos’ vessels are built at Japanese shipyards. Antonopoulos did not rule out ordering elsewhere, but he said the Japanese yards have offered attractive terms so far.
Dating back to the end of the 19th century, Samos is controlled by Antonis and Yannis Inglessis.
