The Evangelos Pistiolis-led owner said Connecticut-based AMCI Poseidon, of which Stamatis Molaris is a director, would pay $173m for its six vessel-owning subsidiaries.

Of this fee, $135m comprises debt and swap obligations to be assumed by the buyer, with the rest payable in cash.

The Nasdaq-listed company needs approval from its shareholders, as well as its banks and charterers.

A shareholder vote could take place at the end of September

The transactions will close in late October 2013, it said.

Net