Capital Product Partners L.P. Announces the Sale of One 9,300 TEU and Two 5,100 TEU Container Vessels

Rhea-AI Summary

Capital Product Partners L.P. (CPLP) announced the sale of multiple ocean-going vessels, including M/V Akadimos, M/V Fos Express, and M/V Seattle Express, expecting gross cash proceeds of around $81.0 million after debt repayment.

Market Research Analyst

The sale of ocean-going vessels by Capital Product Partners L.P. represents a strategic move that could impact their operational capacity and financial liquidity. The disposal of these assets, particularly the M/V Akadimos, a relatively newer and larger vessel, indicates a potential shift in the company's asset composition or a response to market conditions. The transaction involving sister vessels M/V Fos Express and M/V Seattle Express, both built in 2008, may suggest fleet modernization or capital reallocation efforts.

From a market perspective, the anticipated gross cash proceeds of $81.0 million post-debt repayment could bolster the company's balance sheet, offering flexibility for reinvestment or debt reduction. Investors and analysts often view such liquidity boosts positively, as they can lead to improved financial ratios and potential for shareholder value creation. However, the impact on the company's revenue streams must be assessed, considering the reduction in fleet size could affect earning potential unless offset by newer, more efficient vessels or alternative investments.

Financial Analyst

The financial implications of Capital Product Partners L.P.'s asset sale are multifaceted. The gross cash proceeds of approximately $81.0 million will likely improve the company's net cash position. This influx of capital can be advantageous for reducing leverage, which is a critical factor for credit ratings and borrowing costs in the capital-intensive shipping industry.

Investors should examine the debt repayment aspect of this transaction, as it can lead to a healthier capital structure and potentially lower interest expenses. However, it's essential to consider the opportunity cost of selling revenue-generating assets. The long-term financial health of the company will depend on how effectively the proceeds are utilized, whether for fleet renewal, paying dividends, or other strategic investments that could enhance competitive positioning.

Maritime Industry Analyst

The sale of M/V Akadimos and the en bloc sale of sister vessels M/V Fos Express and M/V Seattle Express by Capital Product Partners L.P. should be analyzed within the context of current maritime industry trends. The term Eco-Flex suggests that M/V Akadimos is equipped with features aimed at reducing environmental impact, which aligns with the industry's shift towards sustainability. The vessel's Wide Beam design can also be a competitive advantage, offering operational benefits such as increased stability and cargo capacity.

The age of the vessels being sold, particularly the two built in 2008, may reflect a strategic decision to divest from older assets that may require more maintenance and are less fuel-efficient compared to newer ships. The maritime industry is currently experiencing a push for modernization to comply with stricter environmental regulations and this move could position Capital Product Partners L.P. favorably if they reinvest in more modern, eco-friendly vessels. Stakeholders should monitor the company's subsequent fleet renewal strategy to assess the long-term implications for operational efficiency and regulatory compliance.

ATHENS, Greece, March 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Capital Product Partners L.P. (NASDAQ: CPLP), an international owner of ocean-going vessels, today announced that it has entered into a memorandum of agreement for the sale of M/V Akadimos (115,534 DWT / 9,300 TEU, Eco-Flex, Wide Beam container vessel, built 2015, Daewoo-Mangalia Heavy Industries S.Α., Romania). Delivery to the buyer is expected within March 2024.

The Partnership has also entered into a memorandum of agreement for the en bloc sale of sister vessels M/V Fos Express (68,579 DWT / 5,100 TEU, container vessel, built 2008, Hanjin Heavy Industries & Construction Co., Ltd., South Korea) and M/V Seattle Express (68,411 DWT / 5,100 TEU, container vessel, built 2008, Hanjin Heavy Industries & Construction Co., Ltd., South Korea). Delivery to the buyer is expected by April 2024.

Including the recently announced sale of M/V Long Beach Express (68,618 dwt / 5,100 TEU, container vessel, built 2008, Hanjin Heavy Industries & Construction Co., Ltd., South Korea), which was delivered to its new owners on February 26^th 2024, the Partnership expects gross cash proceeds, after repaying outstanding debt, of approximately $81.0 million. 

About Capital Product Partners L.P.
Capital Product Partners L.P. (NASDAQ: CPLP), a Marshall Islands limited partnership, is an international owner of ocean-going vessels. CPLP currently owns 23 high specification vessels, including nine latest generation LNG/Cs, 12 Neo-Panamax container vessels and two Panamax container vessels. CPLP has agreed to sell two Panamax container vessels and one Neo-Panamax container vessel by the second quarter of 2024. In addition, CPLP has agreed to acquire nine additional latest generation LNG/Cs to be delivered between the second quarter of 2024 and the first quarter of 2027.

For more information about the Partnership, please visit: www.capitalpplp.com.

Forward-Looking Statements
The statements in this press release that are not historical facts may be forward-looking statements (as such term is defined in Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended). These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause the stated or forecasted results to be materially different from those anticipated. Unless required by law, we expressly disclaim any obligation to update or revise any of these forward-looking statements, whether because of future events, new information, a change in our views or expectations, to conform them to actual results or otherwise. We assume no responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of the forward-looking statements. We make no prediction or statement about the performance of our common units.

CPLP-F
Contact Details:

Capital GP L.L.C.
Jerry Kalogiratos
CEO
Tel. +30 (210) 4584 950
E-mail: j.kalogiratos@capitalpplp.com

Capital GP L.L.C.
Nikos Kalapotharakos
CFO
Tel. +30 (210) 4584 950
E-mail: n.kalapotharakos@capitalmaritime.com

Investor Relations / Media
Nicolas Bornozis
Capital Link, Inc. (New York)
Tel. +1-212-661-7566
E-mail: cplp@capitallink.com
Source: Capital Product Partners L.P.

When is the delivery of M/V Akadimos expected to the buyer?

Delivery to the buyer is expected within March 2024.

What are the details of the en bloc sale of sister vessels M/V Fos Express and M/V Seattle Express?

The Partnership has entered into a memorandum of agreement for the en bloc sale of M/V Fos Express and M/V Seattle Express, with delivery to the buyer expected by April 2024.

What are the gross cash proceeds expected by Capital Product Partners L.P. from the recent sales?

The Partnership expects gross cash proceeds of approximately $81.0 million after repaying outstanding debt from the recent sales.