SPII Holdings Finalizes Acquisition of DryShips
The shareholders of the dry bulk shipping company based in Athens, Greece, DryShips, voted in favor of the proposal to authorize and approve the previously announced agreement and plan of merger with SPII Holdings.SPII, a company controlled by DryShips’ chairman and CEO, George Economou, would acquire the outstanding shares of common stock, USD 0.01 par value, of the company that it does not already own for USD 5.25 per share in cash, without interest.In connection with the completion of the transaction, the DryShips’ common stock will cease to trade on the Nasdaq Capital Market and will be delisted.Evercore acted as financial advisor and Fried…
DryShips Installs Scrubbers on 7 Vessels
Greek diversified owner and operator of ocean going cargo vessels DryShips announced that further to its plan to future proof its fleet, it has completed the dry-docking, installation of ballast water treatment systems (BWTS) and scrubbers on 7 vessels.DryShips has incurred approximately $26.1 million of total costs and 300 off-hire days future Proofing of the its fleet."Within 2020, we expect to continue to execute our plan to upgrade additional vessels and we expect to incur approximately 843 off-hire days for a total estimated cost of $65.8 million," said a release from the company."In connection with the installation of scrubbers on our vessels we have entered into agreements…
SPII Holdings Acquires DryShips
The dry bulk shipping company based in Athens DryShips Inc. will be acquired by SPII Holdings Inc. a company controlled by George Economou, under which SPII will acquire the outstanding shares for $5.25 per share in cash, without interest.As previously disclosed, DryShips is to be merged into a subsidiary of SPII Holdings, a company controlled by DryShips’ chairman and CEO George Economou.The deal is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2019. The $5.25 per share price represents a premium of approximately 66% over the company's $3.16 closing stock price on June 12.The $5.25 per share price reflects an increase of approximately 31% over the purchase price of $4.00 per share proposed in the Initial Offer.The company’s board of directors…
DryShips Appoints Advisors for Economou Offer
The dry bulk shipping company DryShips has appointed financial and legal advisors to help its board members consider George Economou’s non-binding takeover proposal.The Greek ship owner and operator said in media release that its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, George Economou, has retained Evercore as its financial advisor and Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP as its legal advisor.It also have appointed a special committee which is comprised of the independent and disinterested directors: George Kokkodis (Chair), Andreas Argyropoulos and George Demathas.The special committee is considering and evaluating the Proposal, and no decisions have been made with respect to the special committee’s response to the proposal.
SPII Holdings Bids for DryShips
Greece-based dry bulk shipping company DryShips Inc said announced it has received a non-binding offer letter from SPII Holdings, which proposes a transaction pursuant to which the Company would be merged into a subsidiary of SPII Holdings.SPII Holdings is controlled by DryShips' Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, George Economou.The board of directors of the diversified owner and operator of ocean going cargo vessels has formed a special committee consisting solely of disinterested directors to consider the proposal.As of June 13, 2019, DryShips operates a fleet of 32 vessels comprised of (i) 6 Panamax drybulk vessels; (ii) 9 Newcastlemax drybulk vessels…
DryShips Acquires 100% of Heidmar
DryShips, the Nasdaq-listed company controlled by Greek shipowner George Economou, has completed the acquisition of 100% of the issued and outstanding shares of Heidmar, a global tanker pool operator.The diversified owner and operator of ocean going cargo vessels said in a press release that prior to the transaction, it indirectly owned approximately 49.8% of Heidmar.As part of the transaction, DryShips acquired the remaining approximately 50.2% of Heidmar currently held by other unaffiliated entities, for an aggregate consideration of approximately $17 million. The transaction was approved by the independent directors of the Company.
DryShips Acquires Newcastlemax Drybulker
Greece-based dry bulk shipping company DryShips Inc announced that it has agreed to acquire from an entity that may be deemed to be beneficially owned by its Chairman and CEO, George Economou, one Newcastlemax drybulk carrier built in 2017, for a purchase price of approximately $50.0 million. The purchase price was based on the average fair market value of the vessel, as determined by independent third party broker valuations, and the transaction was unanimously approved by the board of the Company and a special committee of independent and disinterested directors and remains subject to satisfactory documentation, said a press release…
U.S.-Listed Shippers Buoyed by Globus Maritime's Earnings
Shares of U.S.-listed shippers rose after dry bulk shipper Globus Maritime Ltd posted its first Q3 profit per share in four years. GLBS jumped 10.20 pct, Pyxis Tankers Inc soared 39 pct, nd EuroDry Ltd up 13.2 pct. GLBS says Q3 profit was helped by reducing operational costs by ~25 pct from the last quarter which did not hamper operations, and/or utilization of the fleet.GLBS also posted higher Q3 revenue helped in part by strong demand for dry bulk vessels.
DryShips Sells Panamax Drybulker
Greece-based DryShips announced that it has entered into an agreement with an unaffiliated buyer for the sale of one of its 2001-built Panamax drybulk carrier.The vessel is scheduled for delivery to its buyer no later than the end of this month.The diversified owner and operator of ocean going cargo vessels expects to realize a gain on vessels sales compared to the book value of this asset.DryShips operates worldwide. As of August 15, 2018, and not giving effect to any pending vessel transactions, the Company operates a fleet of 33 vessels comprising of (i) 8 Panamax drybulk vessels; (ii) 5 Newcastlemax drybulk vessels; (iii) 5 Kamsarmax drybulk vessels…
DryShips Sells Two Older Panamaxes
DryShips announced that it has entered into agreements with unaffiliated buyers, for the sale of two of its older Panamax drybulk carriers, built in 2002. The diversified owner and operator of ocean going cargo vessels said that the sale took place for an aggregate gross sales price of $18.8 million. The vessels are scheduled for delivery to their buyers during the third quarter of 2018. The Company is a diversified owner and operator of ocean going cargo vessels that operate worldwide. As of June 15, 2018, the Company operates a fleet of 36 vessels comprising of (i) 11 Panamax drybulk vessels; (ii) 5 Newcastlemax drybulk vessels; (iii) 5 Kamsarmax drybulk vessels…
DryShips Acquires Two Vessels
DryShips, a diversified owner and operator of ocean going cargo vessels, announced that it has agreed to acquire one 2013-built Newcastlemax drybulk carrier and one 2017-built Suezmax tanker, each constructed in China. The vessels will be acquired from entities that may be deemed to be affiliates of Mr. George Economou, the Company’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, for an aggregate purchase price of $93.8 million, including the associated bank debt of $50.3 million. The transaction remains subject to documentation and customary closing conditions, and is expected to close in June 2018. The purchase price was determined based on…
Hedge Funds Hook Shipping Stocks Grappling for Recovery
Emerging recovery for segments of global shipping industry; Nordic American Tanker and Dryships Inc among popular stocks. Shipping stocks may still be in the doldrums in the view of many investors, but hedge funds have bet at least $675 million on signs of renewed buoyancy in the industry. Hedge funds made initial forays into shipping stocks in the third quarter of 2017, but significantly stepped up their bets in the final three months of the year, U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filings compiled by Symmetric show. "Shipping has been in a terrible trough for a number of years," Chris Walvoord, global head of hedge fund research at investment consultant Aon Hewitt, said. "Hedge funds are starting to see opportunity ...
DryShips to Spin Off of Its Gas Carrier Business
DryShips, a diversified owner of ocean going cargo vessels, announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, Gas Ships Limited has filed a registration statement on Form F-1 with the U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission, to spin off of its gas carrier business from the Company. In the spin-off, DryShips will distribute to holders of its common stock 49% of the issued and outstanding shares of Gas Ships Limited's common stock. Following the spin-off, Gas Ships Limited will be a publicly-traded company, and DryShips will retain a 51% ownership interest in Gas Ships Limited. George Economou, the Company's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer…
DryShips Adds Fourth VLGC
DryShips, a diversified owner of ocean going cargo vessels, announced today that it has taken delivery of its fourth high specification very large gas carrier (VLGC) newbuilding. The VLGC will be employed under a fixed rate time charter with ten years firm duration to an oil major trading company. The Company expects a total gross backlog associated with this time charter of up to $103.8 million. DryShips has now taken delivery of all of the 17 vessels it has acquired since the beginning of 2017. The Company owns a fleet of 35 vessels comprising of (i) 12 Panamax drybulk vessels; (ii) 4 Newcastlemax drybulk vessels; (iii) 5 Kamsarmax drybulk vessels…
Pankaj Khanna Appointed As CEO of Ocean Rig
Pankaj Khanna has been appointed as President and Chief Executive Officer of Ocean Rig UDW, a global provider of offshore deepwater drilling services, effective January 1, 2018. Khanna is 47 years old with 29 years of varied experience in the maritime & offshore industry. He last served as Chief Executive Officer of Pioneer Marine Inc, a drybulk company that he founded in 2013. Prior to his position at Pioneer Marine Inc Khanna served as Chief Marketing Officer at Ocean Rig UDW Inc. from January 1, 2012 to October 2, 2012. Mr. Khanna served as the Chief Operating Officer of DryShips, Inc. from March 2009 to October 2, 2012. Prior to joining DryShips, he served in C-Suite roles at Excel Maritime Carriers Ltd and Alba Maritime Services S.A.
DryShips Announces VLGC Time Charter
DryShips, a diversified owner of ocean going cargo vessels, announced that, on November 5, 2017, its third Very Large Gas Carrier commenced its time charter on a fixed rate with ten years firm duration to an oil major trading company. The Company expects a total gross backlog associated with this time charter of up to $103.8 million. DryShips owns a fleet of (i) 13 Panamax drybulk vessels; (ii) 4 Newcastlemax drybulk vessels; (iii) 5 Kamsarmax drybulk vessels; (iv) 1 Very Large Crude Carrier; (v) 2 Aframax tankers; (vi) 1 Suezmax tanker; (vii) 4 Very Large Gas Carriers, 1 of which is expected to be delivered in January 2018; and (viii) 6 offshore support vessels, comprising 2 platform supply and 4 oil spill recovery vessels.
DryShips Adds Third VLGC
DryShips Inc., a diversified owner of ocean going cargo vessels, announced that it has taken delivery of the previously announced high specifications third newbuilding Very Large Gas Carrier (VLGC). The VLGC will be employed under a time charter on a fixed rate with ten years firm duration to an oil major trading company. The Company expects a total gross backlog associated with this time charter of up to $103.8 million. Since the beginning of this year, DryShips has taken delivery of 16 vessels and expects to take delivery of one more at the beginning of next year. DryShips owns a fleet of (i) 13 Panamax drybulk vessels; (ii) 4 Newcastlemax drybulk vessels…
DryShips VLGC Commences Time Charter
DryShips Inc., an owner of ocean going cargo vessels, announced that on June 29, 2017, its first very large gas carrier (VLGC) commenced its time charter on a fixed rate with five years firm duration to an oil major. The charterer has options to extend the firm employment period by up to three years. DryShips said it expects a total gross backlog associated with this time charter of up to $92.7 million including the optional periods.
Dryships Time Charter Contract for Newcastlemax Vessels
DryShips Inc., a diversified owner of ocean going cargo vessels, announced that it has entered into a time charter with a major coal and steel trader for its fourth and last of its 206,000 dwt Newcastlemax drybulk vessels. The contract has a duration of about one year, with a gross rate linked to the Baltic Capesize Index (5 T/C route) plus 20% and will commence upon the delivery of the vessel, expected in July 2017. DryShips owns a fleet of (i) 13 Panamax drybulk vessels; (ii) 4 Newcastlemax drybulk vessels, 3 of which are expected to be delivered in the third quarter of 2017; (iii) 5 Kamsarmax drybulk vessels; (iv) 1 Very Large Crude Carrier…
DryShips Commenses USD 100mln Rights Offering
DryShips Inc. announced the commencement of its previously announced rights offering of shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share. The Rights Offering is being made through the pro-rata distribution of non-transferrable subscription rights to purchase, in the aggregate, up to 36,363,636 shares of Common Stock at a subscription price of $2.75 per share, to shareholders of the Company on August 31, 2017 resulting in gross proceeds of up to $100 million. The deadline for participating in the Rights Offering is 5:00 p.m., New York City Time, on October 2, 2017, unless the Rights Offering is extended. The Company has engaged American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC to serve as the subscription agent for the Rights Offering and Advantage Proxy Inc. to serve as the information agent.
DryShips Reports Q2 Loss
DryShips posted a net loss of $15.6 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2017, widening from net loss of $9.1 million a year earlier. However, its revenue went up to $16.38 million from $15.75 million over the same period. Its cash and cash equivalents stood at $77.2 million (or $1.14 per share) at the end of Q2, and book value of vessels, including advances, was $668.0 million (or $9.84 per share). As of August 29, 2017, following the closing of the Private Placement, the Company owns 49% of Heidmar Holdings LLC pursuant to a joint venture with Morgan Stanley. Heidmar is one of the largest independent tanker pool operators worldwide, commercially managing about 100 vessels.
Dryships Adds New VLGC
DryShips Inc, a diversified owner of ocean going cargo vessels, has announced that it has taken delivery of the previously announced high specifications second newbuilding Very Large Gas Carrier (VLGC). The VLGC will be employed under a time charter on a fixed rate with five years firm duration to an oil major. The charterer has options to extend the firm employment period by up to three years. The Company expects a total gross backlog associated with this time charter of up to $92.7 million including the optional periods. Since the beginning of this year, DryShips has taken delivery of 15 vessels and expects to take delivery of two more by the end of the year. The Company is a diversified owner of ocean going cargo vessels that operate worldwide.
DryShips Commences 5 Year TC for Second VLGC
DryShips, a diversified owner of ocean going cargo vessels, announced today that, its second Very Large Gas Carrier commenced its time charter on a fixed rate with five years firm duration to an oil major. The charterer has options to extend the firm employment period by up to three years. The Company expects a total gross backlog associated with this time charter of up to USD 92.7 million including the optional periods. Five days ago, DryShips announced that it has taken delivery of the previously announced high specifications second newbuilding VLGC. Since the beginning of this year, DryShips has taken delivery of 15 vessels and expects to take delivery of two more by the end of the year. The Company is a diversified owner of ocean going cargo vessels that operate worldwide.