Euroseas Ltd., an owner and operator of drybulk and container carrier vessels and provider of seaborne transportation for drybulk and containerized cargoes, has announced certain developments related to its newbuilding program.
The Greek liner has signed an addendum to its shipbuilding contract with YJZ Shipyard for the construction of Kamsarmax vessel Hull Number YZJ 1153 scheduled to be delivered during the first quarter of 2018.
According to the addendum, the Company acquired the option until December 31, 2016 to decide whether to build the vessel, or build a vessel of different type, or credit the payment already made as part of the original contract ($2.77m) to acquire a different vessel from the yard at a mutually agreed price, or decide to cancel the shipbuilding contract without any additional cost.
The Aristides Pittas-led company took delivery of a similar Kamsarmax vessel, M/V Xenia, in February 2016. M/V Xenia has been chartered for four years at $14,100/day with an additional year at $14,350/day at the charterer's option.
The Company also announced that the first of its Ultramax vessels, Hull Number DY 160 (planned to be renamed ALEXANDROS P), under construction at Dayang yard and originally scheduled for delivery in the second quarter of 2016, was cancelled due to excessive construction delays.
The Company has demanded the return of its progress payments and other expenses as specified in the newbuilding contract and secured by refund guaranties. The parties have referred the matter to arbitration. The Company has a second newbuilding contract for a similar Ultramax vessel, Hull Number DY 161, with the same yard which is also facing significant delays.