Japan’s Iino Kaiun Kaisha is rumoured to have exited the capesize market with the sale of a veteran bulker.
However, brokers say there is some uncertainty around the reported sale of the 152,400-dwt Blue Island (built 2000).
Iino is said to have secured between $7.5m and $8.5m for the vessel, according to reports from some respected brokerages.
Others aware of the potential deal say they are yet to report it to clients as they are not convinced a transaction has taken place.
Iino declined to comment on the sale of its only capesize when contacted by TradeWinds this week.
Data from VesselsValue places the owner with three other bulkers to its name. It also has tankers, LPG and LPG ships in its stable of 40 vessels.
Under its current business plan Iino is putting increased focus on its large carrier, chemical tanker and real estate business.
At the same time, according to the plan, Iino is carrying out a structural reform of its bulk fleet and wants to adopt a more "flexible" approach based on short and medium charters.
