Contact Information: For further information please contact: Company Contact: Dr. Loukas Barmparis President Safe Bulkers, Inc. Athens, Greece Telephone: +30 210 895 7070 Investor Relations / Media Contact: Ramnique Grewal Vice President Capital Link, Inc. 230 Park Avenue, Suite 1536 New York, N.Y. 10169 Tel.: (212) 661-7566 Fax: (212) 661-7526 E-Mail: safebulkers@capitallink.com
Safe Bulkers, Inc. Announces a New 23-Months Time Charter at $63,000 Average Daily Rate
| Source: Safe Bulkers, Inc.
ATHENS, GREECE--(Marketwire - August 4, 2008) - Safe Bulkers, Inc. (the "Company") (NYSE : SB ), announced today that it has entered into a new period time charter for
a Panamax class vessel, for a minimum duration of 22 months and a maximum
duration of 24 months, with forward delivery date on or about April 2009,
at a gross daily rate of $73,000 for the first 12 months followed by
$52,500 for the remaining period, in each case less 1.25% total commission.
Polys Hajioannou, CEO of the Company, said: "We consider this rate very
attractive as it secures substantial revenues for two years starting from
April 2009 up to and including the first quarter of 2011. At a strong
average period daily rate of approximately $63,000 less 1.25% total
commission, there is rather limited advantage for the Company to keep this
vessel open, in pursuit of a further possible spot market upside. The nine
months forward delivery date and the low commission structure are results
of our efforts and ability to develop direct business with the industry's
major charterers."
About Safe Bulkers, Inc.
The Company is an international provider of marine drybulk transportation
services, transporting bulk cargoes, particularly grain, iron ore and coal,
along worldwide shipping routes for some of the world's largest users of
marine drybulk transportation services. The Company's common stock is
listed on the New York Stock Exchange where it trades under the symbol
"SB". The Company's fleet consists of 11 drybulk vessels, all built post
2003, and the Company has contracted to acquire an additional nine drybulk
newbuild vessels to be delivered at various times beginning in the second
half of 2008 through 2010.
Forward-Looking Statement
This press release contains forward-looking statements (as defined in
Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) concerning future events,
the Company's growth strategy and measures to implement such strategy;
including expected vessel acquisitions and entering into further time
charters. Words such as "expects," "intends," "plans," "believes,"
"anticipates," "hopes," "estimates," and variations of such words and
similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements.
Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such
forward-looking statements are reasonable, no assurance can be given that
such expectations will prove to have been correct. These statements involve
known and unknown risks and are based upon a number of assumptions and
estimates which are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and
contingencies, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. Actual
results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such
forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to
differ materially include, but are not limited to changes in the demand for
dry bulk vessels, competitive factors in the market in which the Company
operates; risks associated with operations outside the United States; and
other factors listed from time to time in the Company's filings with the
Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company expressly disclaims any
obligations or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to
any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in
the Company's expectations with respect thereto or any change in events,
conditions or circumstances on which any statement is based.