Scorpio Bulkers expects to back off from buying or selling vessels amid coronavirus uncertainty, having built up its coffers and offloaded several ships.

The Emanuele Lauro-led owner sold four ultramax vessels during the fourth quarter and classified them as held for sale on 31 December.

However, Scorpio Bulkers plans to sit tight with its cash and assets for now, given the uncertainty around coronavirus, Lauro said during today's fourth-quarter earnings call.