GOGL – Sale of three Panamax vessels

Rhea-AI Summary

Golden Ocean Group Limited (Nasdaq and OSE: GOGL) has announced the sale of three older Panamax vessels—Golden Empress, Golden Enterprise, and Golden Endeavour—for a combined price of $52 million. This sale is part of the company's strategy to modernize its fleet, which will significantly reduce emissions. Golden Ocean expects to realize a gain of approximately $9.6 million in Q2 2022 and net cash proceeds of around $30.7 million upon delivery. The company has sold a total of seven older vessels in the last 15 months, generating about $60 million to fund new Kamsarmax vessels currently under construction.

Positive

• Sale of three vessels generates $52 million, securing cash flow.
• Expected gain of $9.6 million supports financial performance.
• Net cash proceeds of around $30.7 million enhance liquidity.
• Ongoing fleet modernization reduces emissions and operational costs.
• Sales capitalize on high second-hand vessel prices.

Negative

• None.

Golden Ocean Group Limited (Nasdaq and OSE: GOGL) (“Golden Ocean” or the “Company”), the world’s leading owner of large size dry bulk vessels, today announces the sale of three of its oldest Panamax vessels, Golden Empress, Golden Enterprise and Golden Endeavour, delivered in 2010 and 2011, as part of the Company’s ongoing strategy to ensure that it operates a modern, fuel-efficient fleet with a reduced emissions profile.

The combined sales price of the three vessels is $52.0 million, and the Company expects to record a gain from the sales of approximately $9.6 million in the second quarter of 2022. Aggregate net cash proceeds of approximately $30.7 million are expected to be received in the second quarter of 2022, when the vessels are delivered to their buyers.

Over the past 15 months, Golden Ocean has sold seven older Panamax vessels, generating aggregate net cash proceeds of around $60 million, representing the majority of the expected equity required to fund the delivery of seven Kamsarmax newbuildings currently under construction.

Ulrik Andersen, CEO of Golden Ocean Management AS commented:

“Golden Ocean continues to grow and modernise its fleet to ensure the Company maintains the most competitive, flexible and future-proof operating platform.

We are selling at a time when second-hand prices are at 10-year highs. The sale of the three vessels secures our dividend capacity while reducing our fleet's average age and carbon footprint.

From mid-next year, we will start to take delivery of seven Kamsarmax vessels currently under construction in China. The net effect is a more fuel-efficient fleet with greater carrying capacity and earnings potential.”

The Board of Directors
Golden Ocean Group Ltd.
Hamilton, Bermuda
March 08, 2022

For further queries, please contact:

Ulrik Andersen: Chief Executive Officer, Golden Ocean Management AS
+47 22 01 73 53

This information is subject of the disclosure requirements pursuant to section 5 -12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act or the Continuing Obligations of Oslo Børs.

 

FAQ

What is the significance of Golden Ocean Group's vessel sales on GOGL stock?

The sale of three Panamax vessels for $52 million enhances Golden Ocean's liquidity and supports ongoing fleet modernization, potentially positively impacting GOGL stock.

How much gain is expected from the recent vessel sales by Golden Ocean?

Golden Ocean expects to record a gain of approximately $9.6 million from the sale of three vessels.

What is the impact of the vessel sales on Golden Ocean's emissions profile?

Selling older vessels allows Golden Ocean to operate a more modern fleet, which significantly reduces its emissions profile.

How many vessels has Golden Ocean sold in the past 15 months?

In the past 15 months, Golden Ocean has sold seven older Panamax vessels, generating around $60 million in proceeds.

When will Golden Ocean start receiving new Kamsarmax vessels?

Golden Ocean expects to start taking delivery of seven new Kamsarmax vessels in mid-next year.