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Pioneer Marine Inc., a Singapore-based shipowner and global drybulk handysize transportation service provider, has announced that it has received delivery of a 38,419-deadweight-tonne (dwt) Green Dolphin eco-design handysize vessel, the M.V. Kite Bay.

The new ship, which was constructed at Yangzhou Guoyu Shipbuilding Co. Ltd, is Pioneer's second Green Dolphin eco-design handysize vessel. According to the firm, the ship's fuel consumption is about 6 tonnes per day lower than non-eco vessels.

"In addition to eco-friendly efficiencies, Pioneer's Green Dolphin newbuilding series are equipped with features which offer substantial commercial flexibility such as hull strengthened to Ice Class 1C, fully logs fitted, suitable for the carriage of various dangerous cargoes, grab fitted, ABB Octopus system for fuel consumption optimization, mass flow meters on the bunker line and more," Pioneer said in a statement.

The Kite Bay is due to commence a one-year charter on a floating rate based on the Baltic Supramax Index less a small discount. The charterer may extend the charter for up to one additional year, Pioneer said.

The delivery of the Kite Bay increases Pioneer's operating fleet to fourteen handysize vessels and one handymax vessel.

Pankaj Khanna, chief executive officer, remarked: "Delivery of our second Green Dolphin newbuilding comes at a very challenging time for the drybulk industry as freight rates today are $4,000 per day or below for all vessel sizes, and that is if you can achieve index after including idle time. Pioneer continues to earn a premium over index, but when the index is this low it is of little consolation. Pioneer had contracted twelve newbuilds of which three have been cancelled without penalty and two vessels have delivered. The seven remaining newbuildings are scheduled to be delivered in 2016 (four) and 2017 (three). We continue to work with our shipyard to seek possible solutions given the unprecedented market conditions."