S&P market for supramax bulkers springs to life

As many as four modern units have been sold at prices varying from $17.2m up to $22.7m

25 July 2014 0:00 GMT Updated 25 July 2014 0:00 GMT

By Trond Lillestolen Oslo Andy Pierce London Gillian Whittaker Athens

After a number of quiet weeks the sale-and-purchase (S&P) market for supramax bulkers has come to life, with as many as four modern units sold at varying prices.

A low price of $17.2m is reported for Sanko Steamship’s 50,000-dwt Sanko Mineral (built 2008). The Oshima-built ship went to an undisclosed buyer for $17.2m at auction.

Initial rumours had linked Eastern Mediterranean Shipping (EastMed) with the vessel but TradeWinds understands the Thanassis Martinos-led company is not the buyer.

The