OSG seals $33m financing for newbuild Jones Act oil and chemical barge

Overseas Shipholding Group (OSG) has closed on a $33.15m loan, led by Wintrust Commercial Finance (WCF), to finance a newbuild 204,000 barrel US-flagged oil and chemical ATB barge.

The loan term is five years, and the lenders will hold a perfected first priority security interest and preferred ship mortgage against the vessel. The loan is also guaranteed by OSG.

Dick Trueblood, chief financial officer at OSG, stated: “We are more than pleased to have been able to close on this, our latest financing package, which supports our continuing investment in new assets set to join our fleet later this year. Given the volatile conditions prevailing in most financial markets at this time, it is appropriate that we recognize the efforts of WCF and the other lenders participating in delivering on this financing commitment. This transaction is the second financing for OSG arranged by WCF, and we welcome the opportunity to extend and expand this valuable relationship.”

Sam Norton, president and CEO of OSG, added: “Our investment in new barges under construction is an important piece of our continuing commitment to sustaining OSG’s leadership position in the US flag market for marine transportation of crude oil and its refined products. The capital provided by WCF and its partners adds support to this initiative, expanding OSG’s available liquidity and positioning the Company well to continue its progress towards sustained profitability.”