In a statement the Athens-based owner said it has lined up a contract-of-affreightment (COA) for the 71,700-dwt Newlead Markela (built 1990).

NewLead noted the deal calls for the carriage of roughly 704,000 tons of aggregates over the course of 11 consecutive voyages.

It also pointed out that the contract will keep the Newlead Markela, the eldest vessel in its fleet, employed for approximately 12 months.

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