New York-listed Safe Bulkers has denied that it is expanding its fleet with the purchase of a five-year-old, Japanese-built kamsarmax.

Brokers said the Greek shipowner has purchased the 81,000-dwt Precious Sky (built 2015), which is owned by Mitsubishi Corp's Diamond Bulk Carriers.

The Tsuneishi-built reportedly ship changed hands for $22m to $22.5m, slightly more than VesselsValue's estimate of $21.4m. It passed special survey this spring.