On October 9, Greek dry bulk shipowner Star Bulk Carriers announced via its official website that it has agreed to sell a 35% equity stake in two newbuild Kamsarmax bulk carriers to Hermes World Maritime—an investment and asset management platform under Itochu Corporation. Star Bulk Carriers will retain commercial and technical management of the vessels.
According to the shipowner, the two vessels involved are the “Star Ellie” and the “Star Bella”; both are scheduled for delivery from Hengli Heavy Industries in 2026. Financial terms and the expected completion date of the transaction have not yet been disclosed.
In November 2025, Star Bulk Carriers entered into an agreement to acquire and amend contracts for the new construction of three Kamsarmax bulk carriers. The vessels are reported to have a capacity of 85,000 deadweight tonnes (DWT), though the acquisition cost was not disclosed. The “Star Ellie” and “Star Bella” are among the new vessels delivered under this acquisition program.
Star Bulk Carriers is a global shipping company primarily active in the dry bulk sector. Including vessels under construction, the company’s fleet totals 138 vessels with an aggregate deadweight tonnage of approximately 13.8 million tonnes.
For the acquirer, this latest transaction marks an expansion of Hermes World Maritime’s investment scope from small bulk carriers into the modern Kamsarmax bulk carrier segment.