|
GLOBUS MARITIME
14 September 2007
Trading Update: Globus Enters into Agreement to Acquire a Panamax Bulkcarrier and Expands Fleet to Eight Vessels
Athens, Greece, September 14th, 2007. Globus Maritime Limited ("Globus" or "the
Company") (AIM: GLBS), a marine transportation company that owns and operates
Handymax and Panamax dry bulk ocean-going vessels, today announces that it has
entered into an agreement with an unaffiliated third party in order to acquire a 1998-
built 72,929 dwt geared Panamax bulkcarrier, for an agreed purchase price of US$ 66.8
million. The vessel is expected to be delivered by mid-December 2007, will be renamed
M/V “Tiara Globe” and will fly the Marshall Islands flag.
On completion of this acquisition, Globus’ fleet will comprise a total of eight modern dry
bulkcarriers, consisting of six Handymaxes and two Panamaxes, with a weighted average
age of approximately 10.7 years as at December 31, 2007 and with a total carrying
capacity of 415,558 dwt.
The six vessels in Globus’ current trading fleet are under medium and long term charters
with reputable charterers. Including the two additional vessels scheduled for delivery by
year-end 2007, namely the Panamax “Tiara Globe” and the newbulding Handymax “River
Globe”, the current charter coverage for 2007 is 100% of available days, while for 2008
it is 53% (assuming the latest possible redelivery dates).
George Karageorgiou, Chief Executive of Globus Maritime, commented: “We are very
pleased to add a second Panamax to our fleet. This acquisition occurs at a time of
especially high charter rates and a shortage of capacity. It is especially gratifying
therefore to secure a vessel with such a prompt delivery date. Our operating leverage
now increases significantly as 4 out of the 8 vessels terminate their previous
employment contracts within the next 4 months, at a time when employment rates are
at record high levels. This addition will significantly enhance our earnings and dividends
to our shareholders while at the same time further decreases the average age of our
fleet.”
Globus Maritime trading update
|