Seven China-built vessels are to be sold and leased back by Scorpio Bulkers in a deal with a China Merchants Bank-backed leasing house.

CMB Financial Leasing will buy three ultramax and four kamsarmax bulk carriers, which together are worth $150.3m, according to VesselsValue estimates.

Scorpio will bareboat charter-in the vessels for a period of seven years and has purchase options on the ships.