Star Bulk Takes Delivery of New Bulker, Secures New Credit Line

Star Bulk Takes Delivery of Its Second Ultramax Bulk Carrier, Star Fighter and Reaches Agreement for a New Credit Facility.

Star Bulk Carriers Corporation, a global shipping company focusing on the transportation of dry bulk cargoes, announced that it has taken delivery of M/V Star Fighter (the "vessel" -- formerly "Supra Challenger II"), an Ultramax bulk carrier of 61,462 deadweight tons carrying capacity, built in Japan by Imabari Shipbuilding Group in September of 2013. Pursuant to the Company's flexible commercial strategy, the vessel has been employed on a short-term time charter for a period of minimum 4 months up to maximum 6 months, at a gross hire rate of $13,400 per day. M/V Star Fighter is the second of the two modern Ultramax bulk carriers delivered to the Company, pursuant to the relevant definitive agreement announced on November 18, 2013.

The Company also announced that it has executed a commitment term sheet with a major European lending bank for a seven-year senior secured term loan facility, for an amount equal to 60% of the fair market value of the two Ultramax bulk carriers acquired, Star Challenger and Star Fighter (together the "vessels"). Under the terms of the commitment term sheet, the drawdown of the loan is expected to take place by February 2014, subject to completion of customary definitive documentation. The Company has financed the acquisition of both vessels using cash on hand and intends to partially refinance their purchase price utilizing the proceeds from the secured credit facility.