Hayfin Capital Management has contracted Oshima Shipbuilding in Japan through Sumisho Marine for a pair of post-panamax bulk carrier newbuilds.
No price was revealed, but the UK alternative investment platform said the 100,000 dwt vessels would deliver into a long-term charter to an international energy trader in 2026.
The newbuilds will be built to “world-leading standards” differentiating them from most of the current panamaxes that are expected to be non-compliant with IMO regulations in three years’ time, Hayfin noted, adding that the two “highly sought-after slots” were secured through its longstanding ties with key stakeholders in Japan.
The London-based company recently generated around $400m for its shipping fund, bolstering plans to invest in assets worth up to $1bn.
Andreas Povlsen (pictured), head of maritime and Hayfin, commented: “This transaction is another sign of our firm commitment to the Japanese market and demonstrates the kind of attractive asset exposure we can offer to investors through our Maritime Yield strategy; combining fuel-efficient assets and long-term charters to investment-grade counterparties against a supportive long-term market backdrop with consistent tonn-mile growth and a fleet in urgent need of renewal.”
