Excel Maritime Acquires Handymax Dry Bulk Vessel

Excel Maritime Carriers Ltd a shipping company specializing in the seaborne transportation of dry bulk cargoes, announced that it has entered into an agreement to purchase a Handymax dry bulk vessel for delivery during the first quarter of 2005. The vessel, of 42,500 dwt, was built in Japan in 1987, and will be put directly into the spot and short term time charter markets. CEO Christopher Georgakis commented, "The demand for seaborne dry bulk trade has grown tremendously over the last few months and continues to be strong. While no one can predict the future, the Baltic Dry Index of charter rates has risen 35 percent from September 30, 2004 to 5551. With this new purchase, together with our recent vessel acquisitions, as we expand our fleet to transport more cargoes and to serve our customers more fully, we are seeking to deploy our assets in charters that are accretive to earnings per share."