Safe Bulkers won't wade back into the newbuilding market but could kick the tires on second-hand ships, an executive said Thursday.

But the New York-listed owner of 38 bulk carriers would need to see the market pick up.

"There are many second-hand vessels in the market, and if the company wishes to start further acquisitions, we'll do so on the second-hand market," said Loukas Barmparis, president of the Greek shipowner.