Eco friendly design helps Ship Finance charter out four 8,700-TEUers

SHIP Finance International Ltd, affiliated with shipping magnate John Fredricksen, has won seven-year, time-charter agreements for four 8,700 TEU eco-design newbuildings, reported Vancouver's Ship & Bunker

The company described the charterer only as being "a large, European-based container line," and said the contracts will add a total of US$46 million to its estimated annual earnings before interest, taxes, deductions, and amortisation (EBITDA).

It has also struck a deal to buy two 82,000 dwt Kamsarmax dry bulk carriers in connection with an eight-year time-charter agreement for the ships with a state-owned Chinese company.

"We are pleased to announce acquisitions and long-term charters to top quality counterparties that will continue to build our long-term distribution capacity," said CEO Ole Hjertaker.

"The container vessels under construction are currently ahead of schedule, and the charter-rate is reflective of the very high specifications including the latest in eco-design features."