Sharma offloads third cape in quick succession

Anil Sharma, best known as a cash buyer for ships for recycling, has sealed his third deal in a row, selling a 2003-built cape named Lila Singapore to Chinese buyers. 

The ageing bulk carrier has been transferring class to a non-IACS society, and the ship is currently en route to the port of Shakhtersk, Russia,  sailing under the flag of Saint Kitts and Nevis. The taker is still to be revealed.  

The ship was added for $14m and sold for a little more, with Sharma pocketing millions in the year it has been traded. 

Some weeks back, sources told Splash that this canny watcher of price movements, who controls ship recycler GMS and shipowner Lila Global out of Dubai, had decided to cash in on some of the recent asset appreciation, selling the 2004-built 175,000 dwt Haiti for $15m, a ship it added late last year for an undisclosed price. This is a substantial price for this 20-year-old vessel, a ship with its special service overdue, and ship data showing that class has been suspended by the China Classification Society. Sharma is also reported to be selling the 2003-built P Melis. This cape was sold for $16m, a vessel Sharma added early last year from Golden Union.