Belgium-based CMB, which controls the dry bulk player Bocimar, will buy[ds_preview] the total Delphis fleet in a deal worth 2.2mill. $.
Currently, Delphis operates a fleet of 14 containerships of which seven are fully owned and seven owned in a joint venture. Of the seven joint venture vessels, six are on long term charter out to Maersk. Half of the 14 ships concerned are type 1A ice classed and hence suited to navigate through ice. Additionally, the six ships on charter to Maersk are the biggest ice classed ships in the world. According to CMB, the acquisition will also include the stake of the partner in the seven joint venture vessels.
The overall consideration for both transactions amounts to 2.2mill. $ and is based on the current market value of the vessels and of the time charter contracts. CMB expects the closing early in 2015.
Early December CMB ordered two newbuilding container vessels at the Korean yard Hanjin Heavy Industries and Construction (HHIC). It concerns two units of 2,000TEU that are type 1A ice classed. As CMB stated, these vessels will be the largest ships able to navigate the Kiel canal and they will have an »ultra eco« design. Delivery is scheduled for May and June of 2016.
Taking advantage of extremely low second-hand prices the group acquired two Panamax container ships in December. The two units of 4,100TEU were built in Korea at HHIC in 2004 and 2006. These vessels are scheduled to join the CMB fleet during the first quarter of 2015.
In January subsidiary Bocimar sold the capesize unit »Mineral Manila« on which a loss amounting to 5.4mill. $ will be accounted for in the course of the fourth quarter of 2014. The sale generates a cash surplus of about 17.7mill. $.
