In a statement the Nasdaq-quoted owner said it signed a commitment letter with ABN AMRO for a senior debt facility of up to $42m.

The company noted the loan will be used to fund newbuildings that are due for delivery in the third quarter of 2015 and first quarter of 2016.

“With this commitment letter we have now secured financing for 50% of our fleet,” added chief executive Evangelos Pistiolis.

“We