Navios Maritime Acquisition Corp has added another VLCC to its stable in a deal that provides further evidence of rising asset prices in this popular sector.

The New York-listed company is said to be paying between $43m and $43.5m for the 298,000-dwt Venture Spirit (built 2003).

A leading sale-and-purchase (S&P) broker describes it as an incredible price, while a second brands it a strong figure but not surprising given the appetite for VLCCs among today’s buyers.

Brokers