In a statement New York-quoted SFL said the 8,700-teu newbuildings will bechartered to a large European carrier for seven years upon delivery, which isdue this year and next.

The operator, which is based in Oslo, indicated it expects the vessels togenerate roughly $46m in annual earnings before interest, taxes, depreciationand amortization in total.

Chief executive Ole Hjertaker pointed out that the containerships inquestion are currently ahead of schedule and said the charter rate tied to thefixtures reflects the high specifications of the newbuildings, which will be equippedwith what he called “the latest in eco-design features”.

While