Eagle Bulk Shipping is closing in on its first purchase of the year with the addition of an ultramax bulker, sources said.

Nasdaq-listed Eagle looks set to pick up the vessel at what is seen as an attractive price given summer transactions by other public companies.

Brokers said Gary Vogel-fronted Eagle is buying the 63,300-dwt Bao Tong (built 2014) from HTM Shipping of China.