Eagle Bulk Shipping Inc. Reports Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2008 Results




                 Fourth Quarter Revenue Increases 64%

                     2008 Net Income Improves 18%

NEW YORK, March 2, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Eagle Bulk Shipping Inc. (Nasdaq:EGLE) today announced its results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended December 31, 2008.

Financial highlights included:



 For the Fourth Quarter:
 * Net income was $15.1 million or $0.32 per share after adjusting for
   one time write-offs of deferred financing and other costs relating
   to amendments to the Company's debt and newbuilding program.
 * Net Income of $9.16 million or $0.20 per share (based on a weighted
   average of 46,915,087 diluted shares outstanding for the quarter)
   on net revenues of $60 million.
 * Gross time charter revenue increased by $24.4 million, or 64%, to
   $62.4 million for the fourth quarter of 2008, from $38.0 million
   for the fourth quarter of 2007.
 * EBITDA, as adjusted for exceptional items under the terms of the
   Company's credit agreement,  increased by 20% to $33.5 million for
   the fourth quarter of 2008, from $27.9 million during the fourth
   quarter of 2007.
 * Fleet utilization rate for the fourth quarter was 99.5%.
 * Took delivery of two newbuilding vessels, Woodstar and Crowned
   Eagle, which immediately entered their respective time charters.

 For Fiscal Year 2008:
 * Net income was $67.6 million or $1.44 per share after adjusting for
   one time write-offs of deferred financing and other costs relating
   to amendments to the Company's debt and newbuilding program.
 * Net Income of $61.6 million, or $1.31 per share (based on a
   weighted average of 46,888,788 diluted shares outstanding for the
   period) on net revenues of $185.4 million.
 * Gross time charter revenue increased by $58.8 million, or 43%, to
   $194.3 million, compared to $135.4 million for the 2007 fiscal year
 * EBITDA, as adjusted for exceptional items under the terms of the
   Company's credit agreement, increased 28% to $127.7 million in 2008
   from $99.4 million in 2007.
 * Fleet utilization rate for the fourth quarter was 99.5%.
 * Acquired two vessels, Goldeneye and Redwing, and took delivery of
   three newbuilding vessels, Wren, Woodstar and Crowned Eagle, which
   immediately entered their respective time charters.

Sophocles N. Zoullas, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, commented, "We are very pleased we maintained profitability in the fourth quarter and generated steady cash flow in challenging global markets. This performance underscores the relative stability of the Supramax asset class amid unprecedented market conditions, as well as management's conservative chartering strategy, which now includes increased contract coverage of 74% for 2009."

Mr. Zoullas continued, "The Company also took proactive, strategic steps during the fourth quarter to reduce capital expenditures and increase liquidity - actions which strengthened the Company's operating profile amid industry volatility. Going forward, we believe Eagle Bulk's demonstrated ability to adapt to changing market conditions while maintaining operational excellence positions the Company to generate long-term value for shareholders."

Results for the three months ended December 31, 2008 and 2007

For the fourth quarter of 2008, the Company reported net income of $9,159,252 or $0.20 per share, based on a weighted average of 46,915,087 diluted shares outstanding. Net income included one-time write-offs of deferred financing and other costs aggregating $5,972,589 relating to amendments to the Company's debt and newbuilding program. Excluding these non-cash charges, net income for the quarter was $15,131,841 or $0.32 per share.

In the comparable fourth quarter of 2007, the Company reported net income of $16,329,603 or $0.35 per share, based on a weighted average of 46,948,385 diluted shares outstanding.

All of the Company's revenues were earned from time charters. Gross revenues in the quarter ended December 31, 2008 were $62,410,576, an increase of 64% from the $37,990,223 recorded in the comparable quarter in 2007. Net revenues during the quarter ended December 31, 2008 were $59,962,501 compared to $35,612,521 in the quarter ended December 31, 2007, an increase of 68% primarily due to the operation of a larger fleet and an increase in daily time charter rates. Net revenues recorded in the 2008 quarter include non-cash amortization of fair value below contract value of time charters acquired of $535,487, compared to a non-cash charge of $500,000 recorded in the 2007 quarter which relates to the fair value above contract value of time charters acquired. Brokerage commissions incurred on revenues earned were $2,983,561 and $1,877,702 in the fourth quarters of 2008 and 2007, respectively.

Total operating expenses increased to $43,539,354 in the quarter ended December 31, 2008 from $18,234,292 recorded in the comparable quarter in 2007. The increase was due to higher vessel operating expenses, vessel depreciation and amortization expenses and general and administrative expenses related to operation of a larger fleet. General and administrative expenses in 2008 were impacted primarily by cash and non-cash compensation (performance-based compensation and amortization of restricted stock awards) to the officers and staff, and by administrative costs associated with operating a larger fleet, including the extensive newbuilding program.

EBITDA, adjusted for exceptional items under the terms of the Company's credit agreement, increased by 20% to $33,474,374 for the fourth quarter of 2008, from $27,889,885 for the fourth quarter of 2007. (Please see below for a reconciliation of EBITDA to net income).

Results for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007

For the year ended December 31, 2008, the Company reported net income of $61,632,809 or $1.31 per share, based on a weighted average of 46,888,788 diluted shares outstanding. Net income included one-time write-offs of deferred financing and other costs aggregating $5,972,589 relating to amendments to the Company's debt and newbuilding program. Excluding these non-cash charges, net income for the year was $67,605,398 or $1.44 per share.

In the comparable year ended December 31, 2007, the Company reported net income of $52,243,981 or $1.24 per share, based on a weighted average of 42,195,561 diluted shares outstanding.

All of the Company's revenues were earned from Time Charters. Gross revenues for the year ended December 31, 2008 were $194,253,142, an increase of 43% from the $135,412,594 recorded in 2007. Net revenues for the year ended December 31, 2008 were $185,424,949 compared to $124,814,804 for 2007, an increase of 49% primarily due to the operation of a larger fleet and an increase in daily time charter rates. Net revenues in 2008 include non-cash amortization of the fair value below contract value of time charters acquired of $799,540, compared to a net non-cash charge of $3,740,000 recorded in 2007 which relates to the fair value above and below contract value of time charters acquired. Brokerage commissions incurred on revenues earned were $9,627,733 and $6,857,790 in 2008 and 2007, respectively.

Total operating expenses in 2008 increased to $108,669,180 from $64,483,104 in 2007. The increase in expenses is attributable to a larger fleet size in operation for 2008 which increased ownership days to 7,229 days in 2008 from 6,166 days in 2007, and increases in costs for crew, insurance and lubricants. Expenses were also impacted by higher general and administrative expenses primarily in cash and non-cash compensation (performance-based compensation and amortization of restricted stock awards) to the officers and staff, and by administrative costs associated with operating a larger fleet, including the extensive newbuilding program.

EBITDA, adjusted for exceptional items under the terms of the Company's credit agreement, increased by 28% to $127,683,156 in 2008, from $99,417,510 in 2007. (Please see below for a reconciliation of EBITDA to net income).

Newbuilding Program

In 2007, the Company had entered into a 35 vessel newbuilding program, which includes 30 vessels to be constructed in China and 5 vessels in Japan. The Chinese contracts and the associated time charters were acquired from a privately held company. In 2008, the Company took delivery of its first two Chinese built newbuilding vessels and a Japanese built vessel.

In December 2008, the Company amended its vessel newbuilding program in China by converting the firm construction contracts on eight charter-free vessels into options. All of the contract deposits on these option vessels, representing approximately $47 million, were redirected as progress payments towards vessels being constructed for delivery in 2009. The Company also deferred delivery of a vessel, THRUSH, from September 2009 to November 2010. These changes in the newbuilding program resulted in a reduction of the Company's capital expenditure program by a total of $363 million. The carrying value of the advanced payments in connection with the acquisition of the construction contracts and the cost of the eight newly converted shipbuilding contract options were in excess of the fair value of the eight options, and as such, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $3,882,888 to write-off the carrying value of the vessel contracts converted into options.

As of December 31, 2008, the Company had outstanding contracts for the construction of 20 vessels in China and 4 vessels in Japan, deliveries of which are scheduled between 2009 and 2011. The Company has recorded advances of $411,063,011 towards the construction cost of these 24 vessels. These costs include capitalized interest on debt drawn for the progress payments, insurance, legal, and technical supervision costs. (Table below provides anticipated delivery dates on the newbuilding fleet).

The contracts for vessel construction in China are US dollar based. However, the contracts for vessel construction in Japan are yen based, and the Company had entered into foreign exchange swaps to hedge foreign currency risks to its vessel newbuilding contracts in Japan. At December 31, 2008, the Company had outstanding foreign currency swap contracts for notional amounts aggregating 8.6 billion Japanese yen swapped into the equivalent of $80,378,030. The Company records the fair value of the currency swaps as an asset or liability in its financial statements and the effective portion of the currency swap is recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income. In February 2009, the Company settled its outstanding foreign currency swaps contracts at a gain aggregating $13,673,774. These gains will offset the cost of the vessels upon their delivery from the Japanese shipyard in 2009-2010.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Net cash provided by operating activities during the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007 was $109,535,918 and $82,889,373, respectively. The increase was primarily due to cash generated from the operation of the fleet for 7,229 operating days in 2008 compared to 6,166 operating days in 2007.

Net cash used in investing activities during 2008, was $336,657,686. Investing activities during 2008 primarily reflected the purchase of the GOLDENEYE and REDWING, which were delivered in the second and third quarter of 2008, respectively, and advances for the newbuilding vessel construction program.

Net cash provided by financing activities during 2008 was $83,426,938. The Company borrowed $192,358,513 from its revolving credit facility which was used to partly fund the REDWING and fund the advances for the construction of newbuilding vessels, three of which, WREN, WOODSTAR and CROWNED EAGLE delivered during the year. In 2008, the Company also paid $93,592,906 in dividends.

As of December 31, 2008, the cash balance was $9,208,862 compared to a cash balance of $152,903,692 at December 31, 2007. In addition, $11,500,000 in cash deposits are maintained with the Company's lender for loan compliance purposes and this amount is recorded in Restricted Cash on the balance sheet as of December 31, 2008. Also recorded in Restricted Cash is an amount of $276,056 which is collateralizing a letter of credit relating to the Company's office lease.

At December 31, 2008, the Company had outstanding debt of $789,601,403. In December 2008, the Company agreed with its lenders to amend its $1.6 billion revolving credit facility to $1.35 billion and adjusted certain debt covenants. The requirement for the Company to maintain a minimum security value of its fleet, which is now an aggregate of the market value of the vessels in its operating fleet and the deposits on its newbuilding contracts, that secure its obligations under the revolving credit facility has been reduced from 130% to 100% of the aggregate principal amount of debt outstanding under the facility. Future dividend payments will be based on the Company maintaining a minimum security value of 130%. The Minimum Net Worth requirement has been reduced from $300 million to $75 million for next year and is subject to annual review thereafter. The amended facility will bear interest at the rate of 1.75% over LIBOR, and the Company will also pay on a quarterly basis a commitment fee of 0.30% per annum on the undrawn portion of the facility. The amended facility will be available in full until July 2012, following which it will reduce to a balloon of $717.2 million at maturity in July 2017. The facility also provides the Company with the ability to borrow up to $20,000,000 for working capital purposes. In December 2008, commencing with the fourth quarter of 2008, the board of directors of the Company has determined to suspend the payment of a dividend to stockholders in order to increase cash flow, optimize financial flexibility and enhance internal growth.

Disclosure of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

EBITDA represents operating earnings before extraordinary items, depreciation and amortization, interest expense, and income taxes, if any. EBITDA is included because it is used by certain investors to measure a company's financial performance. EBITDA is not an item recognized by GAAP and should not be considered a substitute for net income, cash flow from operating activities and other operations or cash flow statement data prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States or as a measure of profitability or liquidity. EBITDA is presented to provide additional information with respect to the Company's ability to satisfy its obligations including debt service, capital expenditures, and working capital requirements. While EBITDA is frequently used as a measure of operating results and the ability to meet debt service requirements, the definition of EBITDA used here may not be comparable to that used by other companies due to differences in methods of calculation.

The following table is a reconciliation of net income, as reflected in the consolidated statements of operations, to the Credit Agreement EBITDA for the three-month periods ended December 31, 2008 and 2007 and for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007:



                Three Months  Three Months
                   ended          ended      Year ended    Year ended
                  December      December    December 31,  December 31,
                  31, 2008      31, 2007        2008          2007
                ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
 Net Income/
  (Loss)        $  9,159,252  $ 16,329,603  $ 61,632,809  $ 52,243,981
 Interest 
  Expense          5,302,645     2,951,565    15,816,573    12,741,106
 Depreciation 
  and
  Amortization    10,229,942     7,356,135    33,948,840    26,435,646
 Amortization of
  fair value
  (below) above
  market of time
  charter
  acquired          (535,487)      500,000      (799,540)    3,740,000
                ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
 EBITDA           24,156,352    27,137,303   110,598,682    95,160,733
 Adjustments for
  Exceptional
  Items:
 Write-off of
  Advances for
  Vessel
  Construc-
  tion(1)          3,882,888            --     3,882,888            --
 Write-off of
  Financing
  Fees(1)          2,089,701            --     2,089,701            --
 Non-cash
  Compensation
  Expense(2)       3,345,433       752,584    11,111,885     4,256,777
                ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
 Credit
  Agreement
  EBITDA        $ 33,474,374  $ 27,889,887  $127,683,156  $ 99,417,510
                ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------

 (1) One time charge (see Notes  to the financial statements)
 (2) Stock based compensation related to stock options, restricted
     stock units, and management's participation in profits interests
     in Eagle Ventures LLC (see Notes to the Company's financial
     statements)

Capital Expenditures and Drydocking

The Company's capital expenditures relate to the purchase of vessels and capital improvements to acquired vessels, which are expected to enhance the revenue earning capabilities and safety of these vessels. In addition to the capital expenditures on newbuilding vessels as described above, major capital expenditures include funding the Company's maintenance program of regularly scheduled drydocking necessary to preserve the quality of our vessels as well as to comply with international shipping standards and environmental laws and regulations. Although the Company has some flexibility regarding the timing of its drydocking, the costs are relatively predictable. Management anticipates that vessels are to be drydocked every two and a half years. Funding of these requirements is anticipated to be met with cash from operations. The Company anticipates that this process of recertification will require it to reposition these vessels from a discharge port to shipyard facilities, which will reduce available days and operating days during that period.

Drydocking costs incurred are amortized to expense on a straight-line basis over the period through the date the next drydocking for those vessels are scheduled to occur. In 2008, the Company spent $2,388,776 in drydocking three vessels, compared to a 2007 expenditure of $3,624,851 for drydocking five vessels. The following table represents certain information about the estimated costs for anticipated vessel drydockings in the next four quarters, along with the anticipated off-hire days:



 ---------------------------------------------------------------------
 Quarter Ending                 Off-hire Days(1)    Projected Costs(2)
 --------------                 ----------------    ------------------
 March 31, 2009                        44             $1.00 million
 June 30, 2009                         22             $0.50 million
 September 30, 2009                    66             $1.50 million
 December 31, 2009                     44             $1.00 million
 ---------------------------------------------------------------------
 (1) Actual duration of drydocking will vary based on the condition of
     the vessel, yard schedules and other factors.
 (2) Actual costs will vary based on various factors, including where
     the drydockings are actually performed.
 ---------------------------------------------------------------------

Summary Consolidated Financial and Other Data:

The following table summarizes the Company's selected consolidated financial and other data for the periods indicated below.



 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS:

                  Year ended    Year ended  Three Months  Three Months
                  ----------    ----------         ended         ended
                December 31,  December 31,  December 31,  December 31,
                ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
                        2008          2007          2008          2007
                        ----          ----          ----          ----

 Revenues, net 
  of commissions   $185,424,949  $124,814,804  $ 59,962,501  $ 35,612,521

 Vessel Expenses  36,270,382    27,143,515    11,338,294     7,393,813
 Depreciation and
  Amortization    33,948,840    26,435,646    10,229,942     7,356,135
 General and
  Administrative
  Expenses        34,567,070    11,776,511    18,088,230     3,484,344
 Gain on Sale
  of Vessel               --      (872,568)           --            --
 Write-off
  advances for
  vessel
  construction     3,882,888            --     3,882,888            --
                --------------------------  --------------------------

   Total
    Operating
    Expenses     108,669,180    64,483,104    43,539,354    18,234,292
                --------------------------  --------------------------

 Operating Income 76,755,769    60,331,700    16,423,147    17,378,229

 Interest Expense 15,816,573    12,741,106     5,302,645     2,951,565
 Interest Income  (2,783,314)   (4,653,387)     (128,451)   (1,902,939)
 Write-off
  deferred
  financing
  costs            2,089,701            --     2,089,701            --
                --------------------------  --------------------------
   Net Interest
    Expense       15,122,960     8,087,719     7,263,895     1,048,626
                --------------------------  --------------------------


 Net Income     $ 61,632,809  $ 52,243,981  $  9,159,252  $ 16,329,603
                ==========================  ==========================

 Weighted
  Average
  Shares
  Outstanding:
 Basic            46,800,550    42,064,911    46,915,087    46,727,153
 Diluted          46,888,788    42,195,561    46,915,087    46,948,385
 Per Share
  Amounts:
 Basic Net
  Income               $1.32         $1.24         $0.20         $0.35
 Diluted Net
  Income               $1.31         $1.24         $0.20         $0.35
 Cash dividends
  declared
  and paid             $2.00         $1.98         $0.50         $0.50

 Fleet Operating Data
 Number of
  Vessels
  in Operating
  fleet                   23            18            23            18
 Fleet Ownership
  Days                 7,229         6,166         2,069         1,656
 Fleet Available
  Days                 7,172         6,073         2,055         1,633
 Fleet Operating
  Days                 7,139         6,039         2,045         1,622
 Fleet Utilization
  Days                  99.5%         99.4%         99.5%         99.3%


 CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS:

                                                December 31,
                                      --------------------------------
                                           2008              2007
                                      --------------    --------------
 ASSETS:
 Current assets:
   Cash and cash equivalents          $    9,208,862    $  152,903,692
   Accounts receivable                     4,357,837         3,392,461
   Prepaid expenses                        3,297,801         1,158,113
                                      --------------    --------------
     Total current assets                 16,864,500       157,454,266
                                      --------------    --------------
 Noncurrent assets:
   Vessels and vessel improvements,
    at cost, net of accumulated
    depreciation of $84,113,047 and
    $52,733,604, respectively            874,674,636       605,244,861
   Advances for vessel construction      411,063,011       344,854,962
   Restricted cash                        11,776,056         9,124,616
   Deferred drydock costs, net of
    accumulated amortization of
    $5,022,649 and $2,453,253,
    respectively                           3,737,386         3,918,006
   Deferred financing costs               24,270,060        14,479,024
   Fair value above contract value of
    time charters acquired                 4,531,115                --
   Fair value of derivative
    instruments and other assets          15,258,780           932,638
                                      --------------    --------------
     Total noncurrent assets           1,345,311,044       978,554,107
                                      --------------    --------------
 Total assets                         $1,362,175,544    $1,136,008,373
                                      ==============    ==============

 LIABILITIES & STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 Current liabilities:
   Accounts payable                   $    2,037,060    $    3,621,559
   Accrued interest                        7,523,057           455,750
   Other accrued liabilities               3,021,975         1,863,272
   Fair value below contract value of
    time charters acquired                 2,863,184                --
   Unearned charter hire revenue           5,958,833         4,322,024
                                      --------------    --------------
          Total current liabilities       21,404,109        10,262,605
                                      --------------    --------------
 Noncurrent liabilities:
   Long-term debt                        789,601,403       597,242,890
   Fair value below contract value of
    time charters acquired                29,205,196                --
   Fair value of derivative
    instruments                           50,538,060        13,531,883
                                      --------------    --------------
     Total noncurrent liabilities        869,344,659       610,774,773
 Total liabilities                       890,748,768       621,037,378
                                      --------------    --------------
 Commitment and contingencies
 Stockholders' equity:
   Preferred stock, $.01 par value,
    25,000,000 shares authorized,
    none issued                                   --                --
   Common stock, $.01 par value,
    100,000,000 shares authorized,
    47,031,300 and 46,727,153 shares
    issued and outstanding,
    respectively                             470,313           467,271
   Additional paid-in capital            614,241,646       602,929,530
   Retained earnings (net of dividends
    declared of $262,118,388 and
    $168,525,482 as of December 31,
    2008 and 2007, respectively)        (107,786,658)      (75,826,561)
   Accumulated other comprehensive
    loss                                 (35,498,525)      (12,599,245)
                                      --------------    --------------
     Total stockholders' equity          471,426,776       514,970,995
                                      --------------    --------------
 Total Liabilities and
  Stockholders' Equity                $1,362,175,544    $1,136,008,373
                                      ==============    ==============

 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS:

                                      Year Ended December 31,
                           -------------------------------------------
                               2008           2007           2006
                           -------------  -------------  -------------
 Cash flows from
  operating activities
 Net income                $  61,632,809  $  52,243,981  $  33,801,540
 Adjustments to reconcile
  net income to net cash
  provided by operating
  activities:
   Items included in net
    income not affecting
    cash flows:
 Depreciation                 31,379,443     24,791,502     21,031,357
 Amortization of deferred
  drydocking costs             2,569,396      1,644,144        781,129
 Amortization of deferred
  financing costs                244,837        242,357        178,246
 Write-off of deferred
  financing costs              2,089,701             --             --
 Write-off of advances for
  vessel construction          3,882,888             --             --
 Amortization of fair value
  (below) above contract
  value of time charter
  acquired                      (799,540)     3,740,000      3,462,000
 Gain on sale of vessel               --       (872,568)            --
 Non-cash compensation
  expense                     11,111,885      4,256,777     13,070,473
   Changes in operating
   assets and liabilities:
 Accounts receivable            (965,376)    (2,776,256)      (335,111)
 Prepaid expenses             (2,139,688)      (137,292)      (507,676)
 Accounts payable             (1,584,499)     1,971,400       (469,199)
 Accrued interest              1,707,326       (344,933)       286,052
 Accrued expenses              1,158,703        146,148      1,292,455
 Drydocking expenditures      (2,388,776)    (3,624,851)    (2,324,726)
 Unearned charter hire
  revenue                      1,636,809      1,608,964        268,538
                           -------------  -------------  -------------
   Net cash provided by
    operating activities     109,535,918     82,889,373     70,535,078
   Cash flows from
    investing activities:
 Vessels and vessel
  improvements and Advances
  for vessel construction   (336,438,441)  (458,262,048)  (130,759,211)
 Purchase of other fixed
  assets                        (219,245)            --             --
 Proceeds from sale of
  vessel                              --     12,011,482             --
                           -------------  -------------  -------------
   Net cash used in
    investing activities    (336,657,686)  (446,250,566)  (130,759,211)
   Cash flows from
    financing activities
 Issuance of common shares       237,328    239,848,264     33,000,000
 Equity issuance costs                --     (5,642,117)    (2,031,920)
 Bank borrowings             192,358,513    369,708,070     99,974,820
 Repayment of bank debt               --    (12,440,000)            --
 Changes in restricted cash   (2,651,440)    (2,600,000)       100,000
 Deferred financing costs    (12,890,502)   (12,749,841)    (1,340,304)
 Cash used to net share
  settle equity awards           (34,055)            --             --
 Cash dividend               (93,592,906)   (82,134,982)   (71,729,500)
                           -------------  -------------  -------------
   Net cash provided by
    financing activities      83,426,938    493,989,394     57,973,096
   Net increase/(decrease)
    in Cash                 (143,694,830)   130,628,201     (2,251,037)
   Cash at beginning of
    period                   152,903,692     22,275,491     24,526,528
                           -------------  -------------  -------------
   Cash at end of period   $   9,208,862  $ 152,903,692  $  22,275,491
                           =============  =============  =============
   Supplemental cash flow
    information:
 Cash paid during the
  period for Interest
  (including Capitalized
  interest of $$20,417,206,
  $8,775,957 and $126,702
  in 2008, 2007 and 2006,
  respectively, and
  Commitment Fees)         $  33,938,068  $  21,807,953  $  10,321,584

Commercial and strategic management of the fleet is carried out by a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, Eagle Shipping International (USA) LLC, a Marshall Islands limited liability company with offices in New York City.

The following table represents certain information about the Company's revenue earning charters on its operating fleet as of December 31, 2008:



  --------------------------------------------------------------------


                                                         Daily Time
                  Year                 Time Charter     Charter Hire
  Vessel          Built      Dwt       Expiration (1)       Rate
  ------          -----      ---       --------------   ------------
  Cardinal         2004     55,362     Jun to              $62,000
                                        Sep 2009
  Condor           2001     50,296     August 2009         $20,500
                                       May to July
                                       2010                $22,000
  Falcon (2)       2001     51,268     April to June
                                       2010                $39,500
  Griffon          1995     46,635     March 2009          $20,075
  Harrier (3)      2001     50,296     June 2009 to
                                       September 2009      $24,000
  Hawk I           2001     50,296     April 2009 to
                                       June 2009           $22,000
  Heron (4)        2001     52,827     January 2011
                                       to May 2011         $26,375
  Jaeger (5)       2004     52,248     October 2009 to
                                       January 2010        $10,100
  Kestrel I        2004     50,326     January 2009        $20,000
                                       February 2009        $8,500
                                       April 2009          $18,000
  Kite             1997     47,195     September 2009
                                       to January 2010     $21,000
  Merlin (6)       2001     50,296     December 2010
                                       to March 2011       $25,000
  Osprey I (7)     2002     50,206     October 2009
                                       to December
                                       2009                $25,000
  Peregrine        2001     50,913     January 2009        $20,500
                                       December 2009
                                       to March 2010        $8,500
  Sparrow          2000     48,225     February 2010
                                       to May 2010         $34,500
  Tern             2003     50,200     February 2009       $20,500
                                       December 2009
                                       to March 2010        $8,500
  Shrike           2003     53,343     April 2009 to
                                       July 2009           $24,600
                                       May 2010 to
                                       August 2010         $25,600
  Skua (8)         2003     53,350     May 2009 to
                                       August 2009         $24,200
  Kittiwake        2002     53,146     July 2009 to
                                       September 2009      $56,250
  Goldeneye        2002     52,421     May 2009 to
                                       July 2009           $61,000



  Wren (9)         2008     53,349     Feb 2012            $24,750
                                       Feb 2012 to
                                       Dec 2018/
                                       Apr 2019            $18,000
                                                            (with
                                                         profit share)
  Redwing          2007     53,411     August 2009
                                       to October
                                       2009                $50,000

  Woodstar (10)    2008     53,390     Jan 2014            $18,300
                                       Jan 2014 to
                                       December 2018/
                                       Apr 2019            $18,000
                                                            (with
                                                         profit share)
  Crowned Eagle    2008     55,940     September 2009
                                       -December 2009      $16,000

 ---------------------------------------------------------------------

   (1)The date range provided represents the earliest and latest
      date on which the charterer may redeliver the vessel to the
      Company upon the termination of the charter. The time
      charter hire rates presented are gross daily charter rates
      before brokerage commissions, ranging from 1.25% to 6.25%,
      to third party ship brokers.

   (2)The charterer of the FALCON has an option to extend the
      charter period by 11 to 13 months at a daily time charter
      rate of $41,000.

   (3)The daily rate for the HARRIER is $27,000 for the first year and
      $21,000 for the second year. Revenue recognition is based on an
      average daily rate of $24,000.

   (4)The charterer of the HERON has an option to extend the charter
      period by 11 to 13 months at a time charter rate of $27,375 per
      day. The charterer has a second option for a further 11 to 13
      months at a time charter rate of $28,375 per day.

   (5)In December 2008, the JAEGER commenced a charter for one year at
      an average daily rate of approximately $10,100 based on a
      charter rate of $5,000 per day for the first 50 days and $11,000
      per day for the balance of the year.

   (6)The daily rate for the MERLIN is $27,000 for the first year,
      $25,000 for the second year and $23,000 for the third year.
      Revenue recognition is based on an average daily rate of $25,000.

   (7)The charterer of the OSPREY has an option to extend the charter
      period by 11 to 13 months at a time charter rate of $25,000 per
      day.

   (8)The charterer of the SKUA has an option to extend the charter
      period by 11 to 13 months at a daily time charter rate of
      $25,200.

   (9)The WREN has entered into a long-term charter. The charter rate
      until February 2012 is $24,750 per day. Subsequently, the
      charter until redelivery in December 2018 to April 2019 will be
      profit share based. The base charter rate will be $18,000 with a
      50% profit share for earned rates over $22,000 per day. Revenue
      recognition for the base rate from commencement of the charter
      is based on an average daily base rate of $20,306.

  (10)The WOODSTAR has entered into a long-term charter. The charter
      rate until January 2014 is $18,300 per day. Subsequently, the
      charter until redelivery in December 2018 to April 2019 will be
      profit share based. The base charter rate will be $18,000 with a
      50% profit share for earned rates over $22,000 per day. Revenue
      recognition for the base rate from commencement of the charter
      is based on an average daily base rate of $18,152.

As of December 31, 2008, the Company has contracts for 24 vessels to be constructed, and options for the construction of another 8 vessels. The following table represents certain information about the Company's newbuilding vessels and their employment upon delivery:



---------------------------------------------------------------------

                             Year Built
                             - Expected  Time Charter
  Vessel            Dwt     Delivery (1) Employment Expiration (2)
  ------            ---     ------------ -------------------------
  Crested Eagle    56,000     Feb 2009   January 2010 - March 2010
  Stellar Eagle    56,000     Apr 2009   Charter Free
  Bittern          58,000     Sep 2009   Dec 2014
                                         Dec 2014 to Dec 2018/Apr 2019
  Canary           58,000     Oct 2009   Jan 2015
                                         Jan 2015 to Dec 2018/Apr 2019
  Thrasher         53,100     Nov 2009   Feb 2016
                                         Feb 2016 to Dec 2018/Apr 2019
  Crane            58,000     Nov 2009   Feb 2015
                                         Feb 2015 to Dec 2018/Apr 2019
  Avocet           53,100     Dec 2009   Mar 2016
                                         Mar 2016 to Dec 2018/Apr 2019
  Egret (4)        58,000     Dec 2009   Sep 2012 to Jan 2013
  Gannet (4)       58,000     Jan 2010   Oct 2012 to Feb 2013
  Golden Eagle     56,000     Jan 2010   Charter Free
  Imperial Eagle   56,000     Feb 2010   Charter Free
  Grebe(4)         58,000     Feb 2010   Nov 2012 to Mar 2013
  Ibis (4)         58,000     Mar 2010   Dec 2012 to Apr 2013
  Jay              58,000     Apr 2010   Sep 2015
                                         Sep 2015 to Dec 2018/Apr 2019
  Kingfisher       58,000     May 2010   Oct 2015
                                         Oct 2015 to Dec 2018/Apr 2019
  Martin           58,000     Jun 2010   Dec 2016 to Dec 2017
  Thrush           53,100     Nov 2010   Charter Free
  Nighthawk        58,000     Mar 2011   Sep 2017 to Sep 2018
  Oriole           58,000     Jul 2011   Jan 2018 to Jan 2019
  Owl              58,000     Aug 2011   Feb 2018 to Feb 2019
  Petrel (4)       58,000     Sep 2011   Jun 2014 to Oct 2014
  Puffin (4)       58,000     Oct 2011   Jul 2014 to Nov 2014
  Roadrunner (4)   58,000     Nov 2011   Aug 2014 to Dec 2014
  Sandpiper (4)    58,000     Dec 2011   Sep 2014 to Jan 2015

 CONVERTED INTO OPTIONS
 ----------------------

  Snipe (6)        58,000     Jan 2012   Charter Free
  Swift (6         58,000     Feb 2012   Charter Free
  Raptor (6)       58,000     Mar 2012   Charter Free
  Saker (6)        58,000     Apr 2012   Charter Free
  Besra (5,6)      58,000     Oct 2011   Charter Free
  Cernicalo (5,6)  58,000     Jan 2011   Charter Free
  Fulmar (5,6)     58,000     Jul 2011   Charter Free
  Goshawk (5,6)    58,000     Sep 2011   Charter Free


                        Daily Time
                         Charter
  Vessel              Hire Rate (3)      Profit Share
  ------              -------------      ------------
  Crested Eagle          $10,500              --
  Stellar Eagle            --                 --
  Bittern                $18,850              --
                         $18,000       50% over $22,000
  Canary                 $18,850              --
                         $18,000       50% over $22,000
  Thrasher               $18,400              --
                         $18,000       50% over $22,000
  Crane                  $18,850              --
                         $18,000       50% over $22,000
  Avocet                 $18,400              --
                         $18,000       50% over $22,000
  Egret (4)              $17,650       50% over $20,000
  Gannet (4)             $17,650       50% over $20,000
  Golden Eagle             --                 --
  Imperial Eagle           --                 --
  Grebe(4)               $17,650       50% over $20,000
  Ibis (4)               $17,650       50% over $20,000
  Jay                    $18,500       50% over $21,500
                         $18,000       50% over $22,000
  Kingfisher             $18,500       50% over $21,500
                         $18,000       50% over $22,000
  Martin                 $18,400              --
  Thrush                   --                 --
  Nighthawk              $18,400              --
  Oriole                 $18,400              --
  Owl                    $18,400              --
  Petrel (4)             $17,650       50% over $20,000
  Puffin (4)             $17,650       50% over $20,000
  Roadrunner (4)         $17,650       50% over $20,000
  Sandpiper (4)          $17,650       50% over $20,000

 CONVERTED INTO OPTIONS
 ----------------------
  Snipe (6)                --                 --
  Swift (6)                --                 --
  Raptor (6)               --                 --
  Saker (6)                --                 --
  Besra (5,6)              --                 --
  Cernicalo (5,6)          --                 --
  Fulmar (5,6)             --                 --
  Goshawk (5,6)            --                 --

 ----------------------------------------------------------------------
   (1)Vessel build and delivery dates are estimates based on
      guidance received from shipyard.
   (2)The date range represents the earliest and latest date on
      which the charterer may redeliver the vessel to the Company
      upon the termination of the charter.
   (3)The time charter hire rate presented are gross daily
      charter rates before brokerage commissions ranging from
      1.25% to 6.25% to third party ship brokers.
   (4)The charterer has an option to extend the charter by 2 periods of
      11 to 13 months each.
   (5)Options for construction declared on December 27, 2007.
   (6)Firm contracts converted to options in December 2008

Glossary of Terms:

Ownership days: The Company defines ownership days as the aggregate number of days in a period during which each vessel in its fleet has been owned. Ownership days are an indicator of the size of the fleet over a period and affect both the amount of revenues and the amount of expenses that is recorded during a period.

Available days: The Company defines available days as the number of ownership days less the aggregate number of days that its vessels are off-hire due to vessel familiarization upon acquisition, scheduled repairs or repairs under guarantee, vessel upgrades or special surveys and the aggregate amount of time that we spend positioning our vessels. The shipping industry uses available days to measure the number of days in a period during which vessels should be capable of generating revenues.

Operating days: The Company defines operating days as the number of its available days in a period less the aggregate number of days that the vessels are off-hire due to any reason, including unforeseen circumstances. The shipping industry uses operating days to measure the aggregate number of days in a period during which vessels actually generate revenues.

Conference Call Information

As previously announced, members of Eagle Bulk's senior management team will host a teleconference and webcast at 8:30 a.m. ET on Tuesday, March 3, 2009, to discuss these results.

To participate in the teleconference, investors and analysts are invited to call 800-573-4754 in the U.S., or 617-224-4325 outside of the U.S., and reference participant code 43486212. A simultaneous webcast of the call, including a slide presentation for interested investors and others, may be accessed by visiting http://www.eagleships.com.

A replay will be available following the call until March 20, 2009. To access the replay, call 888-286-8010 in the U.S., or 617-801-6888 outside of the U.S., and reference passcode 48107085.

About Eagle Bulk Shipping Inc.

Eagle Bulk Shipping Inc. is a Marshall Islands corporation headquartered in New York. The Company is a leading global owner of Supramax dry bulk vessels that range in size from 50,000 to 60,000 deadweight tons and transport a broad range of major and minor bulk cargoes, including iron ore, coal, grain, cement and fertilizer, along worldwide shipping routes.

Forward-Looking Statements

Matters discussed in this release may constitute forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements reflect our current views with respect to future events and financial performance and may include statements concerning plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events or performance, and underlying assumptions and other statements, which are other than statements of historical facts.

The forward-looking statements in this release are based upon various assumptions, many of which are based, in turn, upon further assumptions, including without limitation, management's examination of historical operating trends, data contained in our records and other data available from third parties. Although Eagle Bulk Shipping Inc. believes that these assumptions were reasonable when made, because these assumptions are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies which are difficult or impossible to predict and are beyond our control, Eagle Bulk Shipping Inc. cannot assure you that it will achieve or accomplish these expectations, beliefs or projections.

Important factors that, in our view, could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements include the strength of world economies and currencies, general market conditions, including changes in charter hire rates and vessel values, changes in demand that may affect attitudes of time charterers to scheduled and unscheduled drydocking, changes in our vessel operating expenses, including dry-docking and insurance costs, or actions taken by regulatory authorities, potential liability from future litigation, domestic and international political conditions, potential disruption of shipping routes due to accidents and political events or acts by terrorists.

Risks and uncertainties are further described in reports filed by Eagle Bulk Shipping Inc. with the US Securities and Exchange Commission.

Visit our website at www.eagleships.com



            

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