A company linked to Oslo-based Lorentzens Skibs is set for an asset play on a handymax bulker it purchased as part of a three-vessel deal in August 2016.

Company chief executive Nicolai E Lorentzen confirmed the 48,000-dwt Nordic Kiel (built 2001) is in the process of being sold.

However, US shipbroking sources claimed the Sanoyas-built ship had already been sold for $8.2m.