NewLead Holdings Ltd. Announces Closing
of Container Vessel Sale

Exits Container Sector

1/20/2010

ATHENS, Greece, Jan. 20 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- NewLead Holdings Ltd. (Nasdaq: NEWL) (the "C, Jan 20, 2010 /PRNewswire via COMTEX News Network/ -- NewLead Holdings Ltd. (Nasdaq: NEWL) (the "Company") announced that the MSC Seine, a 1990-built 2,917 TEU Container vessel, was delivered to her new owner today, January 20, 2010. As previously announced, the gross proceeds from sale will be used to reduce debt and add flexibility to the balance sheet.

About NewLead Holdings Ltd.
NewLead Holdings Ltd. is an international shipping company that owns and operates product tanker and dry bulk vessels. The Company's products tanker fleet consists of five MR tankers and four Panamax tankers, all of which are double-hulled. The Company also owns three dry bulk vessels secured on period charters.

NewLead Holdings Ltd.