Euroseas Ltd. Announces Time Charter Contract for its Fuel Efficient 1,800 teu Feeder Containership Newbuilding, M/V Stephania K

Rhea-AI Summary

Euroseas (NASDAQ: ESEA) announced a time charter contract for its new 1,800 teu feeder containership, M/V Stephania K, set to begin on June 28, 2024. The charter is for a minimum of 23 months to a maximum of 25 months, with a gross daily rate of $22,000. This contract is expected to generate about $11.0 million of EBITDA for the minimum period. The vessel's construction is financed through a combination of Euroseas' own funds and a $22.5 million loan from the National Bank of Fujairah. This charter improves upon rates and duration compared to recent fixtures, increasing Euroseas' 2024 charter coverage to 90%.

Positive

• New charter contract for M/V Stephania K at a profitable rate of $22,000/day.
• Contract duration of 23-25 months provides steady income.
• Expected EBITDA contribution of approximately $11.0 million for the minimum period.
• Financing through a combination of own funds and a $22.5 million loan from the National Bank of Fujairah.
• Increases 2024 charter coverage to 90%.

Negative

• Dependence on a single charterer for a significant portion of revenue.
• Potential exposure to market fluctuations if the vessel is redelivered early.
• High cost of vessel financing could impact profitability.

Insights

Financial Analyst

The time charter contract for M/V Stephania K at a daily rate of $22,000 is a notable financial development for Euroseas Ltd. As the shipping industry often sees volatile rates, locking in a contract at this rate for up to 25 months provides a predictable revenue stream. This contract is particularly significant when compared to the previous charter of her sister vessel, M/V Monica, which was secured at $16,000 per day for only 12 months. This 37.5% increase in daily rate not only indicates improved market conditions but also enhanced operational efficiency and bargaining power.

The contract is expected to contribute approximately $11 million to the company's EBITDA over its minimum contracted period. This figure, alongside the existing fleet's performance, suggests a stronger financial outlook for Euroseas. Furthermore, the financing of M/V Stephania K through a $22.5 million loan from the National Bank of Fujairah indicates prudent financial management, leveraging external funds while maintaining ownership equity.

Long-term implications for investors include increased earnings visibility and potential upside from market fluctuations if spot rates rise. However, it's essential to monitor external factors such as global trade dynamics and fuel prices, which could impact future profitability.

Maritime Industry Expert

The charter of M/V Stephania K at $22,000 daily rate is a strategic move within the maritime industry. This rate is significantly higher than recent fixtures, reflecting a positive shift in market demand for feeder containerships. The vessel's fuel efficiency is another key aspect, aligning with the industry's increasing focus on sustainability and cost management. Modern, efficient ships are likely to command better rates and utilization, benefiting from tighter environmental regulations and rising fuel costs.

Euroseas' strategy of introducing newer, more efficient vessels could help the company maintain a competitive edge. The extended duration of the charter also minimizes downtime and repositioning costs, which is important in the highly cyclical shipping industry.

Short-term benefits include secured revenue streams and potential operational efficiencies. However, long-term challenges may arise from fluctuating market conditions and regulatory changes. Stakeholders should remain aware of these dynamics while appreciating the immediate financial boost.

ATHENS, Greece, June 10, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Euroseas Ltd. (NASDAQ: ESEA, the “Company” or “Euroseas”), an owner and operator of container carrier vessels and provider of seaborne transportation for containerized cargoes, announced today it has entered into a time charter contract for M/V Stephania K, a newbuilding fuel efficient 1,800 teu feeder containership currently under construction, for a minimum period of 23 to a maximum period of 25 months at the option of the charterer, at a gross daily rate of $22,000. The new charter will commence upon delivery of the vessel from the shipyard expected to take place on June 28, 2024. The acquisition was financed with a combination of own funds and a US$22.5 million loan provided by the National Bank of Fujairah.

Aristides Pittas, Chairman and CEO of Euroseas commented: “We are pleased to announce that we have chartered our upcoming newbuilding vessel, the sixth in a series of nine and second of our three 1,800 teu units, with one of the largest liner companies, at a profitable rate level of $22,000/day for a period of two years. This charter represents a significant improvement compared to recent fixtures, both in terms of rate and duration, as evidenced by our own fixture for its sister vessel, M/V Monica, at $16,000 for 12 months only a month ago. The present charter is expected to contribute about $11.0 million of EBITDA for the minimum contracted period; it increases our remaining 2024 charter coverage to 90%.”

Fleet Profile:
The Euroseas Ltd. fleet profile after the charter of M/V Stephania K is as follows:

Name	Type	Dwt	TEU	Year Built	Employment	TCE Rate ($/day)
Container Carriers
MARCOS V(*)	Intermediate	72,968	6,350	2005	TC until Dec-24	$42,200
					TC until Aug-25	$15,000
SYNERGY BUSAN(*)	Intermediate	50,726	4,253	2009	TC until Aug-24	$25,000
SYNERGY ANTWERP(*)	Intermediate	50,726	4,253	2008	TC until Mar-25	$26,500(**)
SYNERGY OAKLAND(*)	Intermediate	50,787	4,253	2009	TC until May-26	$42,000
SYNERGY KEELUNG(*)	Intermediate	50,969	4,253	2009	TC until Apr-25	$23,000
EMMANUEL P(*)	Intermediate	50,796	4,250	2005	TC until Apr-25	$21,000
RENA P(*)	Intermediate	50,796	4,250	2007	TC until Apr-25	$21,000
EM KEA(*)	Feeder	42,165	3,100	2007	TC until May-26	$19,000
GREGOS(*)	Feeder	37,237	2,800	2023	TC until Apr-26	$48,000
TERATAKI(*)	Feeder	37,237	2,800	2023	TC until Jul-26	$48,000
TENDER SOUL(*)	Feeder	37,237	2,800	2024	TC until Oct-24	$17,000
LEONIDAS Z (*)	Feeder	37,237	2,800	2024	TC until Mar-26	$20,000
EM ASTORIA (+)(****)	Feeder	35,600	2,788	2004	TC until May/Jun-24	$20,000
EVRIDIKI G(*)	Feeder	34,677	2,556	2001	TC until Feb-25	$40,000
EM CORFU(*)	Feeder	34,654	2,556	2001	TC until Feb-25	$40,000
DIAMANTIS P(*)	Feeder	30,360	2,008	1998	TC until Oct-24	$27,000
MONICA	Feeder	22,262	1,800	2024	TC until May-25	$16,000
EM SPETSES(*)	Feeder	23,224	1,740	2007	TC until Jul-24	$29,500
JONATHAN P(*)	Feeder	23,357	1,740	2006	TC until Sep-24	$26,662(***)
EM HYDRA(*)	Feeder	23,351	1,740	2005	TC until May-24	$15,000
					Then until Mar-25	$13,000
JOANNA(*)	Feeder	22,301	1,732	1999	TC until Aug-24	$13,500
AEGEAN EXPRESS(*)	Feeder	18,581	1,439	1997	TC until Oct-24	$8,000
Total Container Carriers on the Water	22	837,248	66,261
Vessels under construction	Type	Dwt	TEU	To be delivered	Employment	TCE Rate ($/day)
STEPHANIA K(*)(**)	Feeder	22,262	1,800	Q2 2024	TC until May-26	$22,000
PEPI STAR	Feeder	22,262	1,800	Q3 2024
DEAR PANEL	Feeder	37,237	2,800	Q4 2024
SYMEON P	Feeder	37,237	2,800	Q4 2024
Total under construction	4	118,998	9,200

Notes:
(*)	TC denotes time charter. All dates listed are the earliest redelivery dates under each time charter unless the contract rate is lower than the current market rate in which cases the latest redelivery date is assumed; vessels with the latest redelivery date shown are marked by (+).
(**)	Rate is gross of commissions of 2.5% (commissions are, typically, 5-6.25%)
(***)	Rate is net of commissions (commissions are, typically, 5-6.25%)
(****)	We have agreed to sell the vessel to a third party. The vessel will be delivered to its buyers by June 30, 2024.

About Euroseas Ltd.
Euroseas Ltd. was formed on May 5, 2005 under the laws of the Republic of the Marshall Islands to consolidate the ship owning interests of the Pittas family of Athens, Greece, which has been in the shipping business over the past 150 years. Euroseas trades on the NASDAQ Capital Market under the ticker ESEA. 

Euroseas operates in the container shipping market. Euroseas' operations are managed by Eurobulk Ltd., an ISO 9001:2008 and ISO 14001:2004 certified affiliated ship management company, which is responsible for the day-to-day commercial and technical management and operations of the vessels. Euroseas employs its vessels on spot and period charters and through pool arrangements. 

The Company has a fleet of 22 vessels, including 15 Feeder containerships and 7 Intermediate containerships with a cargo capacity of 66,261 teu. After the delivery of its four remaining feeder containership newbuildings in 2024, Euroseas’ fleet will consist of 26 vessels with a total carrying capacity of 75,461 teu.

Forward Looking Statement
This press release contains forward-looking statements (as defined in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) concerning future events and the Company's growth strategy and measures to implement such strategy; including expected vessel acquisitions and entering into further time charters. Words such as "expects," "intends," "plans," "believes," "anticipates," "hopes," "estimates," and variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, no assurance can be given that such expectations will prove to have been correct. These statements involve known and unknown risks and are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include, but are not limited to changes in the demand for containerships, competitive factors in the market in which the Company operates; risks associated with operations outside the United States; and other factors listed from time to time in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company expressly disclaims any obligations or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in the Company's expectations with respect thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any statement is based. 

Visit our website www.euroseas.gr

Company Contact	Investor Relations / Financial Media
Tasos Aslidis Chief Financial Officer Euroseas Ltd. 11 Canterbury Lane, Watchung, NJ 07069 Tel. (908) 301-9091 E-mail: aha@euroseas.gr	Nicolas Bornozis Markella Kara Capital Link, Inc. 230 Park Avenue, Suite 1540 New York, NY 10169 Tel. (212) 661-7566 E-mail: euroseas@capitallink.com

FAQ

What is the new charter contract rate for Euroseas' M/V Stephania K?

The new charter contract rate for M/V Stephania K is $22,000 per day.

When will the charter for Euroseas' M/V Stephania K commence?

The charter for M/V Stephania K will commence on June 28, 2024.

How long is the charter period for Euroseas' M/V Stephania K?

The charter period for M/V Stephania K is between 23 to 25 months.

What is the expected EBITDA contribution from the new charter of M/V Stephania K?

The expected EBITDA contribution from the new charter of M/V Stephania K is approximately $11.0 million for the minimum contracted period.

How was the acquisition of M/V Stephania K financed?

The acquisition of M/V Stephania K was financed through a combination of Euroseas' own funds and a $22.5 million loan from the National Bank of Fujairah.

How does the new charter rate for M/V Stephania K compare to previous fixtures?

The new charter rate for M/V Stephania K at $22,000/day is higher compared to the recent fixture of its sister vessel, M/V Monica, at $16,000/day.