Baltic Trading completes acquisition of two capesize vessels
On December 30, Baltic Trading Limited announced that it has taken delivery of the Baltic Lion, a 2012-built Capesize vessel. The Baltic Lion is the second of two Capesize vessels to be delivered to the Company under Baltic Trading's agreements previously announced on November 5, 2013.
John C. Wobensmith, President and Chief Financial Officer, commented, "We are pleased to take delivery of the Baltic Lion following the successful delivery of its sister ship, the Baltic Tiger, earlier this quarter. With these vessels, combined with the delivery of two Handysize vessels in September, we have completed as planned two of the three acquisitions announced by Baltic Trading during 2013. Upon the anticipated delivery of two Ultramax newbuildings in the second half of 2014, our six newly acquired vessels will expand Baltic Trading's modern high-quality fleet by a total of approximately 82% on a tonnage basis. As we continue to execute our growth strategy, we have an option exercisable in January 2014to acquire two additional Ultramax newbuildings during the second and third quarters of 2015. By taking advantage of an attractive acquisition environment, we have strengthened our ability to capitalize on the positive long-term fundamentals in the drybulk industry and enhanced our future earnings and dividend potential."
The Baltic Lion delivered to its charterer, Cargill International S.A., on December 29, 2013 to commence a spot market-related time charter for 10.5 to 13.5 months. The rate for the spot market-related time charter, which is subject to the completion of definitive documentation, is based on 102.75% of the average of the daily rates of the Baltic Capesize Index (BCI) published by the Baltic Exchange, as reflected in daily reports. Hire will be paid every 15 days in arrears, net of a 6.25% brokerage commission, which includes the 1.25% commission payable to Genco Shipping & Trading Limited. Baltic Trading will not be responsible for voyage expenses, including fuel.
The Company used proceeds of approximately $22.6 million from its $44 million credit facility in addition to cash on hand to pay the remaining balance of approximately $42.0 million for the Baltic Lion. The Company also used borrowings of approximately $21.4 million under the$44 million credit facility to refinance a portion of the purchase price of the Baltic Tiger, which delivered to the Company on November 26, 2013.
Baltic Trading Limited is a drybulk company focused on the spot charter market. Baltic Tradingtransports iron ore, coal, grain, steel products and other drybulk cargoes along global shipping routes. Baltic Trading's current fleet consists of four Capesize, four Supramax and five Handysize vessels with an aggregate carrying capacity of approximately 1,095,000 dwt. After the expected delivery of the two committed Ultramax newbuildings that Baltic Tradinghas agreed to acquire, Baltic Trading will own 15 drybulk vessels, consisting of four Capesize, two Ultramax, four Supramax and five Handysize vessels with a total carrying capacity of approximately 1,223,000 dwt.