New Joint Venture Formed to Operate Bulk Carriers
Augustea Bunge Maritime Limited ("ABML") a joint venture company of Augustea Atlantica S.p.A. and Bunge Limited (NYSE: BG), has announced the formation of a new joint venture with York Capital Management The new company, ABY Holding Limited ("ABY"), will operate an independent fleet of ocean-going dry-bulk vessels. The Malta-based venture intends to grow through the acquisition and chartering of modern ships. The ABY fleet currently includes two ships that are in-service, the ABML Eva (106,000 dwt, built in 2012) and the ABML Grace (172,000 dwt, built in 2002). ABY also owns three additional ships that are under construction at Japanese shipyards.
Diana Shipping Announces another Time Charter
Diana Shipping Inc., a global shipping company specializing in the ownership and operation of dry bulk vessels, has announced that it has entered into a time charter contract with Augustea Bunge Maritime Limited, Malta, through a separate wholly-owned subsidiary, for one of its Post-Panamax dry bulk carriers, the m/v Polymnia. The gross charter rate is US$7,600 per day, minus a 5% commission paid to third parties, for a period of minimum eighteen (18) months to maximum twenty-four (24) months. The charterer has the option to further employ the vessel for about eleven (11) to maximum thirteen (13) months at a gross charter rate of US$11,000 per day, less a 5% commission paid to third parties.
