The London Daily News

Ships being seized by banks to recover debts by shipping owners

City Desk

Unheard of until now but large cargo ships are being seized by banks to recover debts from shipping companies, caused by the near collapse of dry bulk ships rates around the world.

The FT reports that Navios a Greek American shipping company had purchased four new Capesize dry build ships that had been repossessed by the lenders to cover the original debts while the vessels were being built in South Korea.

Tim Coffin of London based M2M Management is quoted in The FT as saying:

"Banks are increasing pressure and there only one way it can go.  Foreclosures are inevitable".

The act of foreclosure by banks has allowed cash rich shipping companies to seize vessels at highly competitive rates and build their fleets for an upturn in the market.

photo credit: Shipping Times 

Navios shippings