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Star Bulk inks sale and leaseback deals worth $274m for 16 vessels

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Star Bulk Carriers has penned commitments to sell and leaseback 16 vessels with four financial institutions in exchange for receiving $274.1m.

Star Bulk signed a deal with China Merchants Bank Leasing (CMBL) in July to sell and leaseback seven vessels, namely Laura, Idee Fixe, Roberta, Kaley, Diva, Star Sirius and Star Vega. The deal, expected to be concluded by end-August with lease terms of five years plus purchase option at the expiration of the bareboat charter term, will give Star Bulk $89m in aggregate.

The bulk carrier owner also entered a deal with an unnamed Japanese institution to sell and leaseback the vessel Star Lutas for $16m. The deal will be concluded by end-September with a lease term of seven years plus purchase obligation at the end of the bareboat charter term.

Three of Star Bulk’s newcastlemax vessels were also entered into sell and leaseback with a Chinese financial institution for $92.6m. The deal will be concluded in September with lease terms of 10 years plus purchase obligation.

Separately, Star Bulk signed a commitment letter with SPDB Financial Leasing to sell and leaseback five vessels, namely Mackenzie, Kennadi, Honey Badger, Wolverine, and Star Antares, for up to $76.5m. The deal is expected to be concluded in September with lease terms of eight years plus purchase obligation.