Safe Bulkers, Inc. Announces Agreement for the Acquisition of One Capesize Class Dry-bulk Vessel

Rhea-AI Summary

Safe Bulkers, Inc. announced an agreement to acquire the MV Aghia Sofia, a 2012-built Capesize class vessel, for $31.75 million. The delivery is set for August 2022 following necessary upgrades, including ballast water treatment installation. This acquisition aims to expand their Capesize fleet to eight vessels, enhancing revenue and profitability. The purchase will be financed from the company’s cash reserves. Safe Bulkers provides marine drybulk transportation services, specializing in cargoes like coal, grain, and iron ore, and trades under the symbols SB, SB-PC, and SB-PD.

Positive

• Acquisition of MV Aghia Sofia expected to enhance revenue and profitability.
• Expansion of Capesize fleet from seven to eight vessels.
• Purchase financed from cash reserves, indicating strong liquidity.

Negative

• Acquisition cost of $31.75 million could strain financial resources.

MONACO, May 26, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Safe Bulkers, Inc. (the Company) (NYSE: SB), an international provider of marine drybulk transportation services, announced today that it has entered into an agreement for the acquisition of a 2012-built, Chinese, dry-bulk, 176,000 dwt, Capesize class vessel, to be named MV Aghia Sofia, with delivery date within August 2022, upon completion of its scheduled dry docking by its current owners, which includes ballast water treatment installation, sandblasting and painting of cargo holds and environmental upgrading with ultra-low friction paints, as per our requirements. The vessel will be acquired at a gross purchase price of $31.75 million and will be financed from the cash reserves of the Company. 

Dr. Loukas Barmparis, President of the Company commented: “Following our time charter contracts for three-year employment of two of our Capesize class vessels, we are using our liquidity to further expand our Cape size class fleet to eight vessels, expecting that such acquisition will be accretive to our revenue and profitability.”  

About Safe Bulkers, Inc.

The Company is an international provider of marine drybulk transportation services, transporting bulk cargoes, particularly coal, grain and iron ore, along worldwide shipping routes for some of the world’s largest users of marine drybulk transportation services. The Company’s common stock, series C preferred stock and series D preferred stock are listed on the NYSE, and trade under the symbols “SB”, “SB.PR.C”, and “SB.PR.D”, respectively.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements (as defined in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and in Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) concerning future events, 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 drybulk vessels, 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 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.

For further information please contact:

Company Contact:
Dr. Loukas Barmparis
President
Safe Bulkers, Inc.
Tel.: +30 2 111 888 400
Fax: +30 2 111 878 500
E-Mail: directors@safebulkers.com 

Investor Relations / Media Contact:
Nicolas Bornozis, President Capital Link, Inc.
230 Park Avenue, Suite 1536 New York, N.Y. 10169
Tel.: (212) 661-7566
Fax: (212) 661-7526
E-Mail: safebulkers@capitallink.com 

FAQ

What is the acquisition price for MV Aghia Sofia?

The vessel is being acquired for $31.75 million.

When is the delivery date for MV Aghia Sofia?

The delivery date is set for August 2022.

How will the acquisition of MV Aghia Sofia impact SB's fleet?

The acquisition will increase Safe Bulkers' Capesize fleet from seven to eight vessels.

What are the main cargoes transported by Safe Bulkers, Inc.?

Safe Bulkers primarily transports coal, grain, and iron ore.

How is the acquisition of MV Aghia Sofia being financed?

The purchase will be financed through the company's cash reserves.