All nine seafarers kidnapped from a JJ Ugland bulker off West Africa have been released.

A photo provided by the Norwegian owner shows the Filipino crew from the 58,105-dwt Bonita (built 2010) looking happy and healthy en route to Manila.

"We are delighted to confirm that late on Friday evening [6 December], the nine crew members from Bonita held as hostages, were released in Nigeria and brought to a safe place in southern Nigeria, after 35 days in captivity," the company said.