Navios announces charters, ship orders

Navios announces charters, ship orders Navios Maritime Holdings has announced eight new long-term time charters and orders for four new capesize bulkers.
   The Greek company, which has a U.S. office in South Norwalk, Conn., said today it has secured eight long-term time charter contracts with an average charter period of just over five years and average charter hire of $24,338. The charters of five Panamax and the ultra-handymax vessels are to Cargill, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines and Rio Tinto.
   Navios also said today it has agreed to purchase two new capesize vessels to be built by Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Co. Ltd. in South Korea. Each vessel will cost $120.0 million and be about 180,000 deadweight tons. Delivery is scheduled in June 2009 and September 2009.
   To date, Navios has placed $48.0 million on deposit for these vessels, with the $192.0 million balance due upon delivery.
   Navios also said it has entered into conditional agreements for the purchase of two additional capesize vessels. Each 172,000 dwt vessel will cost $110.0 million. Delivery is scheduled in the fourth quarter of 2009.
   Navios’ stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange.