Ageing capes finally find buyers

Greek cape specialist Alma Maritime has just offloaded its oldest capesize, securing $12m for the 2003-built, 176,298 dwt Iron Fritz. Splash understands the taker is Greek.

After a record of close to five months with no cape sales, bulker deals are finally coming through with a host of older tonnage thrust on to the market.

Bocimar sold the 171,000 dwt Mineral China (built 2003) to Korean interests for $14m last week in a deal that comes with a three-year charter back agreement at $15,000 a day.

More capes sales are expected in the weeks to come as a raft of 2002- to 2006-built ships are lined up for sale.