The Turkish shipping rising star Beks Shipping took delivery of a 57,700 dwt bulk carrier today on March 20th from STX Dalian Shipyard. The vessel BEKS CENK along with other 2 vessels delivered same by STX Dalian on November 15th, 2011 and January 6th, 2012 respectively are making the BEKS among the top fleet owning and managing companies in Turkey.
According to the captain of BEKS CENK, this newbuilding will be trading worldwide under a 6 months charter particularly en route Asia—Africa—South America line carrying grains.
The initial contract between BEKS and STX Dalian was placed in early 2011，a 2 fixed Supramax with 1 inoption and a future 3 to be determined. The first 2 vessels BEKS HALIL and BEKS NAZIK are sold for 28 million US dollars each as told by senior source in STX Dalian, and this newly delivered one—BEKS CENK is bargained to 22 million only. The record low price for a 57000 dwt bulk carrier is just another survival story in the troublesome shipbuilding industry.
Anyway it is always better than nothing as rumors indicating some big shipyards in south east China have already been out of orders struggling to make a living by grabbling small projects.
We still have one 81,500 DWT Kamsarmax vessel to be soon delivered in South Korea SPP Shipbuilding Company, and we intend to execute the right to purchase the remaining 3 option vessels said president of BEKS Shipping. With expected delivery from middle 2013, there will be a total fleet of 7 vessels.
But I as far as I know, the next 3 vessel if to be built will be changed to some bigger tonnage ones rather than 57,000 dwt. It is understandable for there are already too many Handymax and Supramax in the market, and maybe we won’t see a relief in 2013. Kamsarmax is better to get employed since the food and resource demand in Africa is increasing year by year.
The notable part is this vessel BEKS CENK is entirely financed by the company themselves. For the Turkey owners, they have not only convenient access to ship financing from banks in Turkey and Gulf countries but also strong cash flow. We can see in a few year, they will well shorted the distance with traditional European owners especially the long time ‘historical rival’ Greece.
General cargo vessel Fortuna ran aground near Helvik port, Egersund, Norway, late at night March 29 or early in the morning March 30, and refloated during March 30 with the help of rescue boat and tug. Vessel arrived to Helvik, survey found a hole in the hull. Photo of grounded Fortuna from Norway Rescue site.
General cargo vessel Fortuna IMO 9051210, dwt 3735, built 1993, flag Bahamas, manager MISJE REDERI AS, Norway.