Safe Bulkers, Inc. Announces Recapitulation Agreements for the Acquisition of Four Newbuild Dry-bulk Vessels

MONACO, May 11, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Safe Bulkers, Inc. (the "Company") (NYSE: SB), an international provider of marine dry bulk transportation services, announced today that it has entered into recapitulation agreements for the acquisition of four Japanese newbuild dry bulk vessels. The three newbuild vessels are 82,000 dwt, Kamsarmax class, with scheduled delivery dates of two in the first half and one in the third quarter of 2029. One newbuild vessel is a 182,000 dwt Capesize class, with scheduled delivery date in the second half of 2029.

The acquisitions for the three Kamsarmax class vessels are anticipated to be financed through the Company's cash reserves, with no external financing having been arranged at this stage. The Capesize class vessel will be acquired through a finance lease under a bare boat charter agreement for a period of ten years, with purchase options in favor of the Company available five years following the commencement of the bareboat charter period, all at predetermined purchase prices.

The recapitulation agreements are subject to customary terms, documentation, and closing conditions.

All newbuild vessels are designed to meet the Phase 3 requirements of the Energy Efficiency Design Index related to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions ("IMO GHG -EEDI Phase 3") as adopted by the International Maritime Organization, ("IMO") and also comply with the latest NOx emissions regulation, NOx-Tier III ("NOx-Tier III"). The Kamsarmax newbuilds vessels are sister vessels to a number of newbuilds in our orderbook with advanced energy efficiency characteristics resulting in lower fuel consumption.

The Company has already taken delivery of thirteen IMO GHG Phase 3 - NOx Tier III vessels. Upon consummation of these recapitulation agreements, the Company will have an outstanding orderbook of eleven newbuild vessels, two of which are methanol dual-fueled, with scheduled deliveries of three in 2026, two in 2027, one in 2028, and five in 2029.

Dr. Loukas Barmparis, President of the Company, commented: "Safe Bulkers continues to invest selectively in modern newbuild vessels incorporating the latest-generation designs from leading shipyards, with delivery schedules aligned to the Company's fleet age profile and available slots. This strategy supports our fleet renewal pathway to maintain a young, modern, fuel-efficient, and environmentally advanced fleet, preserving our competitiveness."

About Safe Bulkers, Inc.

The Company is an international provider of marine dry-bulk transportation services, transporting bulk cargoes, particularly grain, coal and iron ore, along worldwide shipping routes for some of the world's largest users of marine dry-bulk transportation services. The Company's common stock, series C preferred stock and series D preferred stock are listed on the NYSE, and trade under the symbols "SB", "SB.PR.C", and "SB.PR.D", respectively.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements (as defined in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and in Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) concerning future events, the Company's growth strategy and measures to implement such strategy, including expected vessel acquisitions and entering into further time charters. Words such as "expects," "intends," "plans," "believes," "anticipates," "hopes," "estimates" and variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, no assurance can be given that such expectations will prove to have been correct. These statements involve known and unknown risks and are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include, but are not limited to, changes in the demand for drybulk vessels, competitive factors in the market in which the Company operates, risks associated with operations outside the United States and other factors listed from time to time in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company expressly disclaims any obligations or undertaking to release any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in the Company's expectations with respect thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any statement is based.

For further information please contact:

Company Contact:
Dr. Loukas Barmparis
President
Safe Bulkers, Inc.
Tel.: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
E-Mail: [e-mail]

Investor Relations / Media Contact:
Nicolas Bornozis, President
Capital Link, Inc.
230 Park Avenue, Suite 1536
New York, N.Y. 10169
Tel.: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
E-Mail: [e-mail]