Sources say the Hakodate-built, 28,300-dwt San Nikolas (built 1996) has been sold for further trading to an undisclosed buyer for $2.3m. The scrap value of the ship is likely to be $1.3m.

Athenian could not be reached for comment.

Last month, the Greek owner sold the 28,600-dwt bulker Tivoli (built 1997), which was in need of towage, “as is” in Batam for just $160 per ldt.