Hafnia, Sole Shipping Agree Refinancing Deal

Denmark-based shipping company Hafnia Tankers has completed two sale and leaseback transactions with a Sole Shipping fund.

The vessels included in the deal with the company’s business arm, Skaatholmen Shipping, are the 2010-built LR1 tankers, Hafnia Asia and Hafnia Arctic.

The vessels have been sold to Skaatholmen Shipping with a seven-year bareboat charter back with annual purchase options from year two onwards and a purchase obligation in year seven.

Hafnia Tankers informed that the transaction entailed a sale of the vessels at market value and a fully levered lease arrangement which gives rise to a positive liquidity effect of around USD 19 million and “further adds to the already strong cash position”.

The profile of the lease arrangement allows Hafnia to abide by its policy of maintaining a low cash-breakeven. The company said that the transaction has been finalized and the ships have been handed over to the lessor.