Latsis and Costamare-backed Neptune Leasing backs Lomar dry bulk play

UK-based diversified shipowner of the Libra Group, Lomar Shipping, has raised capital with Neptune Maritime Leasing for its growing fleet of bulk carriers.

The cooperation with Jersey-based Neptune Leasing involves five ships, although financial details have not been disclosed.

The Nicholas Georgiou-led Lomar has been expanding its footprint in the dry bulk and chemical tanker segments as it continues to shift its fleet away from containerships.

The company recently added the 2010-built supramax Manila Trader in a transaction that involved Neptune Leasing. Shipping databases show Athens Trader, Oslo Trader, Rome Trader and Lima Trader had all been part of Lomar-Neptune Leasing dealings this year.

Neptune Leasing was set up in 2021 by veteran financier Harris Antoniou with the Lastis family as anchor investor. Greek boxship and bulker owner Costamare also came on board in March this year through an investment of up to $200m. The outfit is advised by Lars Solbakken the former chief executive of sale and leasback specialist Ocean Yield.