Reliable sources say the Japanese-controlled, 33,400-dwt Atlantic Pearl (built 2010) has been acquired for $16.65m. Other observers say the price for the Shin Kochi Jyuko-built ship is far too high, with online platform VesselsValue.com estimating it to be worth just $13.45m.

However, a source close to the deal argues that the price is justified. The contract was inked in December, when secondhand prices were higher, and the estimate by VesselsValue.com