MC Shipping Inc. has taken further steps to focus on the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) shipping sector with an agreement to acquire a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) tanker from the A.P. Moller - Maersk Group of Denmark. The vessel, Hans Maersk is a 1993-built semi-refrigerated LPG carrier of 20,700 cbm capacity. The acquisition is being funded out of current cash holdings and a bank loan. The vessel is expected to be delivered before July 31, 2006. Simultaneously with the purchase, she will be time-chartered back to A.P. Moller - Maersk for a minimum period of 5 years.
The Company further announced that it has signed contracts to sell its two small coastal bulkers, Bay Trader and Link Trader. Delivery to buyers is expected within June 2006.