Easterly Asset Management’s Maritime Logistics Equity Partners (MLEP) has emerged as the buyer of two chemical tankers from Danish shipowner Celsius Shipping.
The US-based company said in a statement that it had acquired and renamed the 2009-built 25,400 dwt Easterly Birdie, ex-Celsius Birdie, and the 2010-built 25,390 dwt Easterly Eagle, ex-Celsius Eagle.
No price was disclosed for the stainless steel pair, but brokers earlier this year suggested a deal in the region of $50m.
Since launching in September 2021, Easterly invested $138.3m in 11 vessels through two tranches currently valued at $217.5m.
The new additions are among the biggest chemical tankers in the Easterly MLEP fleet, which currently counts 13 vessels.
“The addition of Easterly Eagle and Easterly Birdie marks a significant step in expanding our investment strategy, acquiring high-quality second-hand chemical tankers at attractive entry prices through an off-market transaction,” said Michael Collins, managing director and global head of distribution for Easterly Asset Management, adding that with the launch of this third investment tranche, the company plans to continue executing its strategy by acquiring up to eight more ships.
All Easterly MLEP vessels are trading in Womar tanker pools.
