SFL announces acquisition of seven container vessels along with long-term charters
Ship Finance International Limited (NYSE: SFL) ("Ship Finance" or the "Company") today announced that the Company has agreed to acquire seven 4,100 teu container vessels built in 2002 in combination with long-term charters to a leading container line operator, the Company said in a press release.
The vessels are expected to be delivered to SFL over the course of the next few weeks, and the annual EBITDA contribution is estimated to be approximately $10 million on average during the charter period. The charters include a purchase option with profit share after approximately 5.4 years on average.
Ole B. Hjertaker, CEO of Ship Finance Management AS, said in a comment: "This transaction originates from the German KG market, and while the exact terms of the deal is confidential, the acquisition price is seen as very attractive. We have monitored the German market closely after the financial crisis that started in 2008/2009, but there have been relatively few transactions so far where we have seen a combination of quality assets, attractive prices and long-term chartering opportunities."
About Ship Finance
Ship Finance is a major ship owning company listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: SFL). Including newbuildings, the Company has a fleet of 71 vessels, including 22 crude oil tankers (VLCC and Suezmax), two chemical tankers, 12 drybulk carriers, 22 container vessels (including six newbuildings), two car carriers, six offshore supply vessels, two jack-up drilling rigs, two ultra-deepwater semi-submersible drilling rigs and one ultra-deepwater drillship. The fleet is one of the largest in the world and most of the vessels are employed on long-term charters.