SFL - Acquisition of two container vessels in combination with long-term charters and settlement of claim for breach of charterparties

HAMILTON, Bermuda, March 11, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ship Finance International Limited SFL ("Ship Finance" or the "Company") today announced the agreement to acquire two 5,800 teu post-panamax container vessels built in 2001/2002 in combination with long-term charters.

The vessels are expected to be delivered to SFL over the course of the next few weeks, and the annual EBITDA contribution is estimated to be approximately $5.5 million on average during the charter period. The charters include a purchase option with profit share after 5 years.

The Company is also pleased to announce the settlement of a claim relating to four Handysize dry bulk carriers which were redelivered to us in 2012, before the final maturity of their charters. A significant portion of the settlement amount has been paid to us in cash already, with the remaining amount to be paid in installments over the next three quarters. The Company expects to book a gain of approximately $25 million relating to the settlement.

Ole B. Hjertaker, CEO of Ship Finance Management AS, said in a comment: "Similar to the acquisition of the seven 4,100 teu container vessels last week, the acquisition of these additional 5,800 teu container vessels were also sourced from the German KG market. While the capital to be invested in the vessels is limited, the risk/reward profile of the transactions is viewed as attractive. Our business model allows us to target opportunities across our core business segments, and our main strategy remains to acquire modern vessels and rigs and combine with charters to leading operators."

Mr Hjertaker continued: "We are also happy to see the effect of our resolve and patience coming to fruition with the settlement of a two year old chartering dispute. The vessels in question have been operated in the market without any disruption, and the market has recovered from the low-point two years ago. The cash received from the settlement will be made available for new investments."

The Board of Directors

Ship Finance International Limited

Hamilton, Bermuda


Questions could be directed to:

Ole B. Hjertaker, Chief Executive Officer, Ship Finance Management AS
+47 23114011
Magnus T. Valeberg, Senior Vice President, Ship Finance Management AS
+47 23114012 

About Ship Finance

Ship Finance is a major ship owning company listed on the New York Stock Exchange SFL. Including newbuildings, the Company has a fleet of 73 vessels, including 22 crude oil tankers (VLCC and Suezmax), two chemical tankers, 12 drybulk carriers, 24 container vessels (including six newbuildings), two car carriers, six offshore supply vessels, two jack-up drilling rigs, two ultra-deepwater semi-submersible drilling rigs and one ultra-deepwater drillship. The fleet is one of the largest in the world and most of the vessels are employed on long-term charters.

More information can be found on the Company's website: www.shipfinance.org

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward Looking Statements

This press release may contain forward looking statements. These statements are based upon various assumptions, many of which are based, in turn, upon further assumptions, including Ship Finance management's examination of historical operating trends. Although Ship Finance believes that these assumptions were reasonable when made, because assumptions are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies which are difficult or impossible to predict and are beyond its control, Ship Finance cannot give assurance that it will achieve or accomplish these expectations, beliefs or intentions.

HUG#1767843