The following is a company announcement issued by AST Group p.l.c. (the “Company”) bearing company registration number C 66811, in terms of the Capital Markets Rules issued by the MFSA.
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ACQUISITION OF VESSEL
QUOTE
The Company is pleased to announce that, in terms of the Prospectus dated 20 April 2023, the Group (as defined in the Prospectus) has, through AST Shipping 3 Ltd (C 106522) and pursuant to the successful completion of the appropriate structural and condition inspections into the vessel, acquired the vessel “AST RISING” (previously ‘SMART RISING”) (with Official No. 9437828) (the “Vessel”) which was financed through part of the proceeds of the issue of the €8,500,000 worth of 6.25% Secured Bonds 2033 by the Company.
Specifically, AST Shipping 3 Ltd took delivery of the Vessel today, the 18th October 2023, which vessel has been registered under the Malta Maritime Flag. Also in terms of the Prospectus, a First Preferred Mortgage on the Vessel was registered in favour of the Onyx Trustees Limited as security trustee of the AST Trust II for the benefit of Bondholders today, the 18th October 2023.
Pursuant to the foregoing, ownership of the Vessel vests in AST Shipping 3 Ltd with effect from said date. The MV AST RISING is a 2009 build and has a gross tonnage of 4109 being 99.89 metres in length. As set out in sub-section 5.3.1 of the Registration Document forming part of the Prospectus, the Vessel shall be managed by DS Shipping Limited and chartered to Damask Investment Ltd by DS Chartering Limited and shall carry its intended cargo, including grains and containers, thereby supporting the Group in the volume increase in the existing trade routes.
UNQUOTE
Katia Cachia
Company Secretary
18th October 2023
