Oceanfreight Inc. Provides Fleet Update
July 23, 2009 - Athens, Greece - OceanFreight Inc., (NASDAQ:OCNF) a global
provider of seaborne transportation services for both drybulk and energy
commodities, today announced the following chartering and sale and purchase
developments:
o The Company has agreed to acquire a 2006 built 174,333 dwt Capesize
bulk carrier for a purchase price of $61.25 million. The vessel is
scheduled for delivery in the fourth quarter. Upon delivery to the
Company, the vessel will commence employment on a time charter for a
minimum period of 5 years and a maximum of 9 years at a gross rate of
$26,250 per day.
o The Company has agreed to sell the 1990 built 149,495 dwt Capesize
bulk carrier, M/V Juneau, to a third party for a gross price of $19.9
million. Delivery of the vessel is expected to take place on expiration of
the current charter and no later than November 20, 2009.
o The previously announced sale of the 1996 Panamax M/V Lansing is
now concluded, as the vessel was delivered to the new owners on July 1st
2009.
o The previously announced purchase of a 2001 built Panamax, 74,716
dwt from a third party, has been terminated due to Sellers’ financiers not
lifting their conditions to the sale.
o The Company has entered into a time charter for the Panamax dry bulk
carrier, M/V Richmond, that will commence on or before July 31, 2009,
at a gross rate of $18,100 per day for a period of 11.5 months and a
maximum of 14.5 months. This vessel became available following an
early redelivery by the vessel’s present charterers. As agreed
compensation for the early redelivery, the Company will receive a lump
sum payment of $200,000.
o The Company has entered into a time charter contract for the Panamax
dry bulk carrier, M/V Topeka, that will commence on or before July 31,
2009, at a gross rate of $18,000 per day for a minimum period of 17
months and a maximum of 20 months. This fixture follows the default of
the present charterer which is expected to commence insolvency
proceedings. The Company plans to take full legal remedy against the
charterer.
Anthony Kandylidis, Chief Executive Officer of the Company commented:
“We are pleased to have acquired a third high quality modern Capesize vessel, putting
into good use the equity proceeds that we recently raised. Consistent with our strategy
of secured revenues, we have fixed the vessel for a minimum period of five years
generating approximately $44 million in gross charter hire over the minimum charter
duration. Reflecting the charter agreements for the M/V Richmond and M/V Topeka,
our time-charter coverage for 2009 is now 92%, and for 2010, 72%. Moving forward,
supported with a strong balance sheet, we continue to look for opportunities to renew
and grow our fleet.”
About OceanFreight Inc.
OceanFreight Inc., is an owner and operator of both drybulk and tanker vessels that
operate worldwide. As of the day of this release, OceanFreight owns a fleet of 12
vessels, comprising of 8 drybulk vessels (1 Capesize, 7 Panamaxes) and 4 crude
carrier tankers (1 Suezmax, 3 Aframaxes) with a combined deadweight tonnage of
about 0.9 million tons.
OceanFreight Inc.'s common stock is listed on the NASDAQ Global Market where it
trades under the symbol "OCNF".
OceanFreight Inc. press release
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