Norway's Sterling Shipping has confirmed that is has bought a second bulk carrier, the 79,000-dwt Eclipse (built 2010) and is inspecting more with a view to further purchases.
The Oslo-based company is understood to have acquired the vessel for around $16m and will be renamed Steling Tora. Was previously in the fleet of John Fredriksen's Golden Ocean.
It will continue to trade in the Klaveness-controlled Baumarine pool.
VesselsValue estimated the ship's value to be around $14.75m, reflecting the recent sharp rise in prices driven by the surge in freight rates.
Sterling Shipping is headed by Christopher Fjeld, who confirmed the purchase to TradeWinds. He controls the company with Markus Reitan, who is based in Malta.
The company's first purchase took place early last year, when the 81,000-dwt bulker BW Hazel (built 2013) was purchased from BW Dry Cargo for some $21m with a charter-back to BW.
Brokers suggest this bulker now is worth closer to $23m.
Sterling Shipping is now looking for further expansion and is inspecting vessels. Fjeld told TradeWinds: "We are comfortable with the kamsarmax segment".
The acquisitions are funded by a combination of equity and bank loans.
Fjeld is little known in Norway, but has a family background in shipping.
