George Chatzis-led Newport is being linked to the purchase of a second kamsarmax this year, swooping on a nine-year-old vessel sold by EBE Maritime.

Brokers and shipowning sources in the UK and Greece said Piraeus-based Newport has agreed to acquire EBE’s 82,200-dwt Bacco (built 2011) for about $15.4m.

The Tsuneishi Zosen-built vessel is scheduled to undergo special survey at the end of next year.