The vessel Island Bay, built by Japan’s Imabari Shipbuilding, was immediately time chartered out to Pacific Basin.
Uni-Asia Shipping has to-date acquired nine handysize bulkers since its establishment in April 2010. Among the nine vessels, six were delivered including the latest named Island Bay.
The company expe
cts further delivery of three remaining 37,000 dwt handysizes between 2015 and 2016, with the aim of building up a cost-competitive fleet of handy bulk carriers.
“Our current focus is on the smaller handysize market. We expect that the market will improve going forward in view of the demand and supply dynamics,” said Michio Tanamoto, chairman and ceo of Uni-Asia Holdings.
Meanwhile, Uni Asia Holdings’ fleet portfolio under joint ship investment companies and shipping fund comprises of five container vessels, three bulkers and two product tankers. The portfolio is waiting to take delivery of two 57,000 dwt supramaxes and one 37,000 dwt handysize between 2015 and 2016.