Euroseas Ltd., (NASDAQ: ESEA) an owner and operator of drybulk carriers and container vessels and provider of seaborne transportation for dry bulk and containerized cargoes, announced that a subsidiary of the company has entered into a two-year period time charter agreement for the M/V Aristides NP, a 69,268 dwt, 1993 built Panamax bulk carrier, at a gross daily rate of $18,900. The charter will commence between end February 2010 and mid April 2010.
This employment is expected to generate approximately $13.5m of gross revenues during the period of the charter. Following this charter, approximately 100% of Euroseas dry bulk fleet days for 2010 and 40 % for 2011 are secured under period charters, or already concluded spot charters, Forward Freight Agreements (FFA's) and are otherwise protected from market fluctuations. For the container fleet, the corresponding coverage is 37% for 2010 and 16% for 2011 making the combined total fleet coverage 57% for 2010 and 23% for 2011. These percentages do not include extension options held by charterers.
Aristides Pittas, Chairman and CEO of Euroseas commented "We continue to take advantage of the strength of the drybulk market and we are pleased to announce that we have chartererd M/V Aristides NP at a favorable rate which enables us to enhance the predictability and strength of our revenues and cash flows. We remain focused in our effort to grow the company and create superior returns for our shareholders.
(www.euroseas.gr)