Oslo-based operator Vega Bulk Carriers has bought a supramax in the secondhand market, marking its first move into owning bulkers.

The company is said to have paid $16.5m for the 55,500-dwt Aditya (built 2008) from seller Swiss Singapore Overseas Enterprise (SSOE), the bulk commodity trading arm of India's Aditya Birla Group.

Kenneth Fjelde, who owns and controls Vega Group, confirmed the purchase to TradeWinds and said the ship will be renamed Vega Stetind.