John Fredriksen-controlled bulk carrier operator has booked four capesize ships at US$72.25m each, from small South Korean yard now breaking into the large vessel market. There are options on another four ships.A statement implies that the deal is a resale rather than a new order although the newbuilding plans only came to light this week. Golden Ocean says that it has acquired four newbuilding contracts” at Daehan Shipbuilding.The 170,000 dwt ships are for delivery between May 2008 and January 2009.
Golden Ocean says: “Given the positive outlook for global steel production and the age profile of the existing cape size fleet, the management has a bullish market view for this sector going forward. The board of Golden Ocean finds the combination of price and time of delivery attractive, and a right step forward in its growth strategy.” It adds: “It is the intention to finance the newbuildings through a combination of bank debt, and liquidity generated from Golden Ocean until delivery of the vessels. In order to optimize the financing Golden Ocean will consider securing long term charters for some of the newbuildings.”