The $634.91m cash plus shares deal, revealed just two months after Star merged with Oceanbulk, will take the fleet of Petros Pappas-led owner to beyond 100 vessels.

Pappas said: “We are excited to announce these vessel purchases that, when completed, will expand our presence as the largest US listed drybulk shipping company, and one of the largest dry bulk owners and operators globally.

“These