Greek shipowner AM Nomikos has bought two nine-year-old supramaxes from South Korea’s SK Shipping while shedding an older vessel as it continues to boost its bulker fleet, according to sources in Europe and the US.

The company agreed to pay $12.5m each for the 55,000-dwt sisterships K Garnet and K Opal (both built 2010).

The Seoul-based owner did not respond to a request for comment on reports that it had sold the IHI-built pair.