In a statement the owner said the deal will keep the 3,400-dwt Katerina L(built 2009) employed for approximately ten months.

Under the terms of the contract the vessel must transport at least 31,000 tons of bitumen on behalf of the unidentified counterparty over the course of ten voyages.

If the charterer exercises an option, NewLead pointed out that the total could top 49,600 tons over 16 voyages.

“The