Officials of China’s HNA Technology say three bulkers recently reported sold have not been disposed of and do not belong to them.
Brokers said one or all of the 81,500-dwt FH Fang Cheng, 79,600-dwt FH Ri Zhao and 79,400-dwt Zhen Bang (all built 2015) have been committed for sale to unknown buyers in deals that were expected to close this week.
The ships were all built at the sister yard now known as Jinhai Intelligent Manufacturing.
HNA officials said the ships were sold to a South Korean fund about three years ago and have been on bareboat charter back to HNA since that time. Speaking as bareboat charterers, however, they said the ships remain under current ownership.
HNA is in the process of selling off its remaining vessel assets, 11 ships of up to capesize, through single vessel sales. The process is a laboured one, and officials say market conditions have put the project on hold. They have previously denied rumours that a sale of the 79,500-dwt Grand Amanda (built 2011) failed over mechanical issues.
HNA Logistics still exists within the labyrinthine HNA Group as a ground and air transportation company, but transferred HNA's vessel assets in 2016 to HNA Technology Co Ltd.
