Laskaridis company Lavinia Corp is close to buying a Chinese-controlled capesize, in a deal that highlights the rising value of secondhand ships in the sector.

Market sources said Lavinia has agreed in principle to purchase the 180,400-dwt New Dalian (built 2010) at a price slightly below $27m.

TradeWinds, however, understands that the deal has not been finalised yet and is still on sellers’ subjects of about 10 days.