Germany's H. Vogemann, a noted operator of bulk carriers, is continuing to expand its fleet despite the current recession, which has forced other owners to sell off ships. In recent months Vogemann has acquired three second-hand panamax bulkers from Taiwan's Eastern Media International, a company formerly known as Far Eastern Silo.

The three 74,000dwt ships are the 2001-built Maria Salamon and the 2000-built twins Willi Salamon and Gertrud Salamon, all purchased for $82 million ‘en bloc'. Vogemann previously bought five panamax bulkers from the same company. The recent purchases give Vogemann a fleet of 25 vessels totalling just over two million dwts, with a further 14 in build.