Safe Bulkers, Inc. Announces a New 23-Months Time Charter at $63,000
Average Daily Rate
ATHENS, GREECE, Aug 04, 2008 (MARKET WIRE via COMTEX News Network) --
Safe Bulkers, Inc. (the "Company") (NYSE: SB), announced today that
it has entered into a new period time charter for a Panamax class
vessel, for a minimum duration of 22 months and a maximum duration of
24 months, with forward delivery date on or about April 2009, at a
gross daily rate of $73,000 for the first 12 months followed by
$52,500 for the remaining period, in each case less 1.25% total
commission.
Polys Hajioannou, CEO of the Company, said: "We consider this rate
very attractive as it secures substantial revenues for two years
starting from April 2009 up to and including the first quarter of
2011. At a strong average period daily rate of approximately $63,000
less 1.25% total commission, there is rather limited advantage for
the Company to keep this vessel open, in pursuit of a further
possible spot market upside. The nine months forward delivery date
and the low commission structure are results of our efforts and
ability to develop direct business with the industry's major
charterers."
About Safe Bulkers, Inc.
The Company is an international provider of marine drybulk
transportation services, transporting bulk cargoes, particularly
grain, iron ore and coal, along worldwide shipping routes for some of
the world's largest users of marine drybulk transportation services.
The Company's common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange
where it trades under the symbol "SB". The Company's fleet consists
of 11 drybulk vessels, all built post 2003, and the Company has
contracted to acquire an additional nine drybulk newbuild vessels to
be delivered at various times beginning in the second half of 2008
through 2010.
Forward-Looking Statement
This press release contains forward-looking statements (as defined in
Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section
21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) concerning
future events, the Company's growth strategy and measures to
implement such strategy; including expected vessel acquisitions and
entering into further time charters. Words such as "expects,"
"intends," "plans," "believes," "anticipates," "hopes," "estimates,"
and variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to
identify forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes
that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements
are reasonable, no assurance can be given that such expectations will
prove to have been correct. These statements involve known and
unknown risks and are based upon a number of assumptions and
estimates which are inherently subject to significant uncertainties
and contingencies, many of which are beyond the control of the
Company. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or
implied by such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause
actual results to differ materially include, but are not limited to
changes in the demand for dry bulk vessels, competitive factors in
the market in which the Company operates; risks associated with
operations outside the United States; and other factors listed from
time to time in the Company's filings with the Securities and
Exchange Commission. The Company expressly disclaims any obligations
or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any
forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in
the Company's expectations with respect thereto or any change in
events, conditions or circumstances on which any statement is based.
For further information please contact:
Company Contact:
Dr. Loukas Barmparis
President
Safe Bulkers, Inc.
Athens, Greece
Telephone: +30 210 895 7070
Investor Relations / Media Contact:
Ramnique Grewal
Vice President
Capital Link, Inc.
230 Park Avenue, Suite 1536
New York, N.Y. 10169
Tel.: (212) 661-7566
Fax: (212) 661-7526
E-Mail: safebulkers@capitallink.com
SOURCE: Safe Bulkers, Inc.
mailto:safebulkers@capitallink.com