SHIPBUILDING CONTRACT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF ONE (1) 180,000 DWT CLASS BULK CARRIER HULL NO. 0006 BETWEEN QUINTANA MARITIME LIMITED (AS BUYER) AND KOREA SHIPYARD CO., LTD. (AS BUILDER)

Exhibit 10.17

SHIPBUILDING CONTRACT

FOR

THE CONSTRUCTION OF

ONE (1)

180,000 DWT CLASS BULK CARRIER

HULL NO. 0006

BETWEEN

QUINTANA MARITIME LIMITED

(AS BUYER)

AND

KOREA SHIPYARD CO., LTD.

(AS BUILDER)

SHIPBUILDING CONTRACT

THIS CONTRACT is made as of 3rd December, 2006 by and between QUINTANA MARITIME LIMITED, a company incorporated and existing under the laws of the Republic of the Marshall Islands having its registered office at Trust Company Complex, Ajeltake Road, Ajeltake Island, Majuro, the Republic of the Marshall Islands MH96960 (hereinafter called “QML”) or a company to be nominated by QML pursuant to Article XV hereof (hereinafter called the “NOMINEE”)(QML until such nomination takes place and the NOMINEE following such nomination having taken place, in either case hereinafter called the “BUYER”), the party of the first part and KOREA SHIPYARD CO ., LTD ., a company organized and existing under the laws of the Republic of Korea, having its registered office at 1243-1, Yonsan-bong, Mokpo-City, Jeollanam-Do, Korea (hereinafter called the ‘BUILDER”), the party of the second part,

WITNESSETH:

In consideration of the mutual covenants contained herein, the BUILDER agrees to design, build, launch, equip and complete one (1) 180,000 DWT Class Bulk Carrier as described in Article 1 hereof (hereinafter called the “VESSEL”) at the BUILDER’S shipyard in Jindo, Korea (hereinafter called the “SHIPYARD”) and to deliver and sell the VESSEL to the BUYER, and the BUYER agrees to accept delivery of and purchase from the BUILDER the VESSEL, according to the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth:

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INDEX

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ARTICLE I     DESCRIPTION AND CLASS

The VESSEL shall have the BUILDER’S Hull No. 0006 and shall be constructed, equipped and completed in accordance with the specifications (Ref. No. KSB-FS-002R0 dated 3 ^rd December, 2006) and the maker list (Ref. No. KSB-ML-002R0 dated 3 ^rd Dec., 2006) (hereinafter collectively called the “SPECIFICATIONS”) and the general arrangement plan (Ref. No. KSB-GA-002R0 dated 3 ^rd Dec., 2006) (hereinafter called the “PLAN”), which shall constitute an integral part of this CONTRACT.

The SPECIFICATIONS and the PLAN are intended to explain each other and anything shown on the PLAN and not stipulated in the SPECIFICATIONS or anything stipulated in the SPECIFICATIONS and not shown on the PLAN shall be deemed and considered as if included in both. Should there be any inconsistencies or contradictions between the SPECIFICATIONS and the PLAN, the SPECIFICATIONS shall prevail. Should there be any inconsistencies or contradictions between this CONTRACT and the SPECIFICATIONS, this CONTRACT shall prevail.

The basic dimensions anti principal particulars of the VESSEL shall be

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The details of the above particulars as well as the definitions and method of measurements and calculations are as indicated in the SPECIFICATIONS.

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The VESSEL shall be built and completed by the BUILDER for registration in the Marshall Islands and shall be registered by the BUYER at its own cost and expense under the laws of the Marshall Islands with its home port of Majuro at the time of its delivery and acceptance hereunder.

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ARTICLE II     CONTRACT PRICE

The contract price of the VESSEL delivered to the BUYER at the SHIPYARD shall be United States Dollars Seventy Seven Million Seven Hundred Thousand (US $77,700,000) (hereinafter called the “CONTRACT PRICE”) which shall be paid plus any increases or less any decreases due to adjustment or modifications, if any, as set forth in this CONTRACT . The CONTRACT PRICE shall include payment for services in the inspection, tests, survey and classification of the VESSEL which will be rendered by the CLASSIFICATION SOCIETY and shall not include the cost of the BUYER’s SUPPLIES as stipulated in Article XII.

The CONTRACT PRICE also includes all costs and expenses for supplying all necessary drawings as stipulated in the SPECIFICATIONS except those to be furnished by the BUYER for the VESSEL in accordance with the SPECIFICATIONS.

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ARTICLE III     ADJUSTMENT OF THE CONTRACT PRICE

The CONTRACT PRICE of the VESSEL shall be adjusted as hereinafter set forth in the event of the following contingencies. It is hereby understood by both parties that any adjustment of the CONTRACT PRICE as provided for in this Article is by way of liquidated damages and not by way of penalty, the calculation of damage being deemed final.

However, unless the parties agree otherwise, the total amount of deduction from the CONTRACT PRICE shall not exceed the amount due to cover the delay of two hundred and forty (240) days after thirty (30) days of the delay in delivery of the VESSEL at the rate of deduction as specified hereinabove.

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For the three-tenths (3/10ths) of a knot — a total sum of US $100,000

For the four-tenths (4/10ths) of a knot ——a total sum of US $175,000

For the five-tenths (5/10ths) of a knot —— a total sum of US $390,000

For the six-tenths (6/10ths) of a knot ——– a total sum of US $520,000

For the seven-tenths (7/10ths) of a knot —— a total sum of US $650,000

For the eight-tenths (8/10ths) of a knot —— a total sum of US $780,000

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However, unless the parties agree otherwise, the total amount of reduction from the CONTRACT PRICE shall not exceed the amount due to cover the deficiency of eight-tenths (8/10ths) of one (1) knot below the guaranteed speed at the rate of reduction as specified above.

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It is expressly understood and agreed by the parties hereto that in any case, if the BUYER cancels this CONTRACT under this Article, the BUYER shall not be entitled to any liquidated damages.

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ARTICLE IV     INSPECTION AND APPROVAL

The BUYER shall timely despatch to and maintain at the SHIPYARD, at its own cost, expense and risk, one or more representatives (hereinafter each called the “BUYER’S REPRESENTATIVE”), who shall be duly accredited in writing by the BUYER to supervise adequately the construction by the BUILDER of the VESSEL, her equipment and all accessories. Before the commencement of any item of work under this CONTRACT, the BUILDER shall, whenever reasonably required, previously exhibit, furnish to, and within the limits of the BUYER’S REPRESENTATIVE’s authority, secure the approval from the BUYER’S REPRESENTATIVE of any and all plans and drawings prepared in connection therewith . Upon appointment of the BUYER’S REPRESENTATIVE, the BUYER shall notify the BUILDER in writing of the name and the scope of the authority of the BUYER’S REPRESENTATIVE.

Such BUYER’S REPRESENTATIVE shall, at all times during working hours of the construction until delivery of the VESSEL, have the right to inspect the VESSEL, her equipment and all accessories, and work in progress, or materials utilized in connection with the construction of the VESSEL, wherever such work is being done or such materials are stored, for the purpose of determining that the VESSEL, her equipment and accessories are being constructed in accordance with the terms of this CONTRACT and/or the SPECIFICATIONS and the PLAN.

The BUYER’S REPRESENTATIVE shall, within the limits of the authority conferred upon him by the BUYER, make decisions or give advice to the BUILDER on behalf of the BUYER promptly on all problems arising out of, or in connection with, the construction of the VESSEL and generally act in a reasonable manner with a view to cooperating to the utmost with the BUILDER in the construction process of the VESSEL.

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The decision, approval or advice of the BUYER’S REPRESENTATIVE shall be deemed to have been given by the BUYER and once given shall not be withdrawn, revoked or modified except with consent of the BUILDER. Provided that the BUYER’S REPRESENTATIVE or his assistants shall comply with the foregoing obligations, no act or omission of the BUYER’S REPRESENTATIVE or his assistants shall, in any way, diminish the liability of the BUILDER under Article IX (WARRANTY OF QUALITY). The BUYER’S REPRESENTATIVE shall notify the BUILDER promptly in writing of his discovery of any construction or materials, which he believes do not or will not conform to the requirements of the CONTRACT, the SPECIFICATIONS and the PLAN and likewise advise and consult with the BUILDER on all matters pertaining to the construction of the VESSEL, as may be required by the BUILDER, or as he may deem necessary.

However, if the BUYER’S REPRESENTATIVE fails to submit to the BUILDER without delay any such demand concerning alterations or changes with respect to the construction, arrangement or outfit of the VESSEL, which the BUYER’S REPRESENTATIVE has examined, inspected or attended at the test thereof under this CONTRACT or the SPECIFICATIONS and the PLAN, the BUYER’S REPRESENTATIVE shall be deemed to have approved the same and shall be precluded from making any demand for alterations, changes, or complaints with respect thereto at a later date.

The BUILDER shall comply with any such demand which is not contradictory to this CONTRACT, the SPECIFICATIONS or the PLAN, provided that any and all such demands by the BUYER’S REPRESENTATIVE with regard to construction, arrangement and outfit of the VESSEL shall be submitted in writing to the authorized representative of the BUILDER. The BUILDER shall notify the BUYER’S REPRESENTATIVE of the names of the persons who are from time to time authorized by the BUILDER for this purpose .

It is agreed upon between the BUYER and the BUILDER that the modifications, alterations or changer and other measures necessary to comply with such demand may be effected at a convenient time and place at the BUILDER’s reasonable discretion in view of the construction schedule of the VESSEL.

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In the event that the BUYER’S REPRESENTATIVE shall advise the BUILDER that he has discovered or believes the construction or materials do not or will not conform to the requirements of this CONTRACT and the SPECIFICATIONS or the PLAN, and the BUILDER shall not agree with the views of the BUYER’S REPRESENTATIVE in such respect, either the BUYER or the BUILDER may, with the agreement of the other party, seek an opinion of the CLASSIFICATION SOCIETY or failing such agreement, request an arbitration in accordance with the provisions of Article XIV hereof. The Principal Surveyor of the CLASSIFICATION SOCIETY or the arbitration tribunal, as the case may be, shall determine whether or not a nonconformity with the provisions of this CONTRACT, the SPECIFICATIONS and the PLAN exists.

The BUYER’S REPRESENTATIVE shall, within seven (7) days after receipt thereof, return to the BUILDER one (1) copy of such plans and drawings with his approval or comments written thereon, if any. Approval by the BUYER’S REPRESENTATIVE of the plans and drawings duly submitted to him shall be deemed to be the approval by the BUYER for all purposes of this CONTRACT.

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All salaries and expenses of the BUYER’S REPRESENTATIVE or any other person or persons employed by the BUYER hereunder shall be for the BUYER’s account.

The BUILDER, its employees, agents and subcontractors, during its working hours until delivery of the VESSEL, shall arrange for them to have free and ready access to the VESSEL, her equipment and accessories, and to any other place (except the areas controlled for the purpose of national security) where work is being done, or materials are being processed or stored in connection with the construction of the VESSEL including the premises of sub-contractors.

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The BUYER’S REPRESENTATIVE or his assistants or employees shall observe the work’s rules and regulations prevailing at the BUILDER’s and its sub-contractor’s premises. The BUILDER shall promptly provide to the BUYER’S REPRESENTATIVE and/or his assistants and shall ensure that its sub-contractors shall promptly provide all such information as he or they may reasonably request in connection with the construction of the VESSEL and her engines, equipment and machinery.

The BUYER shall undertake and assure that the BUYER’S REPRESENTATIVE shall carry out his duties, hereunder in accordance with the normal international shipbuilding practice and in such way so as to avoid any unnecessary increase in building cost, delay in the construction of the VESSEL and/or any disturbance in the construction schedule of the BUILDER.

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The BUILDER has the right to request the BUYER to replace the Representative who is deemed unsuitable and unsatisfactory for the proper progress of the VESSEL’s construction. The BUYER shall investigate the situation by sending its representative(s) to the SHIPYARD if necessary, and if the BUYER consider that such BUILDER’s request is justified, the BUYER shall effect such replacement as soon as conveniently arrangeable.

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ARTICLE V     MODIFICATIONS, CHANGES AND EXTRAS

Minor modifications or changes to the SPECIFICATIONS and the PLAN under which the VESSEL is to be constructed may be made at any time hereafter by written agreement of the parties hereto. Any modification or change requested by the BUYER which does not affect the frame-work of the SPECIFICATIONS shall be agreed to by the BUILDER if the BUYER agrees to adjustment of the CONTRACT PRICE, deadweight and/or cubic capacity, speed requirements, the DELIVERY DATE and other terms and conditions of this CONTRACT reasonably required as a result of such modification or change. The BUILDER has the right to continue construction of the VESSEL on the basis of the SPECIFICATIONS and the PLAN until the BUYER has agreed to such adjustments. The BUILDER shall be entitled to refuse: to make any alteration, change or modification of the SPECIFICATIONS and/or the PLAN requested by the BUYER, if the BUYER does not agree to the aforesaid adjustments within fourteen (14) days of the BUILDER’s notification of the same to the BUYER, or, if, in the BUILDER’s judgement, the compliance with such request of the BUYER would cause an unreasonable disruption of the normal working schedule of the SHIPYARD.

The BUILDER, however, agrees to exert its efforts to accommodate such reasonable request by the BUYER so that the said change and modification shall be made at a reasonable cost and within the shortest period of time reasonably possible. The aforementioned agreement to modify and change the SPECIFICATIONS and the PLAN may be effected by exchange of letters or facsimiles manifesting the agreement.

The letters and facsimiles exchanged by the parties pursuant to the foregoing shall constitute an amendment to this CONTRACT, the SPECIFICATIONS or the PLAN under which the VESSEL shall be built. Upon consummation of such an agreement to modify and change the SPECIFICATIONS or the PLAN, the BUILDER shall alter the construction of the VESSEL in accordance therewith including any addition to, or deduction from, the work to be performed in connection with such construction.

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If any materials, machinery of equipment required for the construction of the VESSEL by the SPECIFICATIONS and the PLAN or otherwise under this CONTRACT cannot be procured in time to meet the BUILDER’S construction schedule for the VESSEL, or are in short supply, or are unreasonably high in price compared with the prevailing international market price, the BUILDER may supply, subject to the BUYER’S prior written approval, other materials, machinery or equipment of equal and effect capable of meeting the Rules and Regulations of the CLASSIFICATION SOCIETY and other regulatory bodies. The BUILDER shall not, however, be relieved of its obligations if such non-availability could have been for seen or occasioned by forward planning. In this case, the BUILDER shall not be entitled to an extension of the DELIVERY DATE or to increase in the CONTRACT PRICE by reason of such non-availability.

If the specified rules and regulations with which the construction of the VESSEL is required to comply are altered or changed after the date of this CONTRACT by the CLASSIFICATION SOCIETY or bodies authorized to make such alterations or changes, either the BUYER or the BUILDER, upon receipt of due notice thereof, shall forthwith give notice thereof to the other party in writing. Thereupon, within ten (10) days after giving the notice to the BUILDER or receiving the notice from the BUILDER, the BUYER shall advise the BUILDER as to the alterations and changes, if any, to be made on the VESSEL which the BUYER, in its sole discretion, shall decide. The BUILDER shall not be obliged to comply with such alterations and/or changes if the BUYER fails to notify the BUILDER of its decision within the time limit stated above.

The BUILDER shall comply promptly with the said request of the BUYER, provided that the BUILDER and the BUYER shall first agree to:

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Any delay in the construction of the VESSEL caused by the BUYER’s delay in making a decision or agreement as above shall constitute a permissible delay under this CONTRACT. Such agreement by the BUYER shall be effected in the same manner as provided above for modification and change of the SPECIFICATIONS and the PLAN.

This paragraph does not refer to alterations or changes of rules and regulations of the CLASSIFICATION SOCIETY which were announced to the BUILDER in writing by the CLASSIFICATION SOCIETY on or before the date of signing of this CONTRACT.

The BUILDER may, at its sole discretion and responsibility, subcontract any part of the construction work of the VESSEL. The BUYER shall be informed by the BUILDER accordingly about the place where the subcontracting work is to be carried out in advance so that supervision can be performed properly.

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ARTICLE VI     TRIALS AND COMPLETION

The BUILDER shall notify the BUYER in writing or by facsimile at least fourteen (14) days in advance of the time and place of the trial run of the VESSEL. Such notice shall specify the place from which the VESSEL will commence her trial run and approximate date upon which the trial run is expected to take place. Such date shall be further confirmed by the BUILDER five (5) days in advance of the trial run by facsimile. The BUYER shall confirm in writing to the BUILDER that the VESSEL is ready for sea trials. In case of dispute between the parties whether the VESSEL is ready for sea trials the decision of the representative of the CLASSIFICATION SOCIETY is binding.

The BUYER’S REPRESENTATIVE, who is to witness the performance of the VESSEL during such trial run, shall be present at such place on the date specified in such notice. Should the BUYER’S REPRESENTATIVE fail to be present after the BUILDER’s due notice to the BUYER as provided above, the BUILDER shall be entitled to conduct such trial run with the presence of the representative(s) of the CLASSIFICATION SOCIETY only without the BUYER’S REPRESENTATIVE being present. In such case, the BUYER shall be obliged to accept the VESSEL on the basis of a certificate issued by the BUILDER that the VESSEL, after the trial run, subject to alterations and corrections, if necessary, has been found to conform with the SPECIFICATIONS and this CONTRACT and is satisfactory in all respects, provided the BUILDER first makes such corrections and alterations promptly.

In the event of unfavorable weather on the date specified for the trial run, the trial run shall take place on the first available day that weather conditions permit. The parties hereto recognize that the weather conditions in Korean waters, in which the trial run is to take place, are such that great changes in weather may arise momentarily and without warning and therefore, it is agreed that if, during the trial

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runs, the weather should become so unfavorable that the trial run cannot be continued, then the trial run shall be discontinued and postponed until the first favorable day next following, unless the BUYER shall assent to the acceptance of the VESSEL by notification in writing on the basis of such trial run so far made prior to such change in weather conditions. Any delay of the trial run caused by such unfavorable weather conditions shall also operate to extend the DELIVERY DATE of the VESSEL for the period of delay occasioned by such unfavorable weather conditions.

All expenses in connection with the trials of the VESSEL are to be for the account of the BUILDER, which, during the trials, is to provide at its own expense the necessary crew to comply with conditions of safe navigation. The trials shall be conducted in the manner prescribed in this CONTRACT and the SPECIFICATIONS, and shall prove fulfilment of the performance requirements for the trials as set forth in the SPECIFICATIONS.

The BUILDER shall be entitled to conduct preliminary sea trials, during which the propulsion plant and/or its appurtenance shall be adjusted according to the BUILDER’s judgement. The BUILDER shall have the right to repeat any trial whatsoever as it deems necessary. Furthermore the BUYER’s REPRESENTATIVE is entitled to participate in any preliminary sea trials conducted by the BUILDER.

The BUILDER shall load the VESSEL with the required quantity of fuel oil, lubricating oil and greases, fresh water, and other stores necessary to conduct the trials as set forth in the SPECIFICATIONS. The necessary ballast (fuel oil, fresh water and such other ballast as may be required) to bring the VESSEL to the trial load draft, as specified in the SPECIFICATIONS, shall be supplied and paid for by the BUILDER whilst lubricating oil and greases shall be supplied and paid for by the BUYER within the time advised by the BUILDER for the conduct of sea trials as well as for use before the delivery of the VESSEL to the BUYER. The fuel oil as well as lubricating oil and greases shall be in accordance with the

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engine specifications and the BUYER shall decide and advise the BUILDER of the supplier’s name for lubricating oil and greases before the work-commencement of the VESSEL, provided that the supplier shall be acceptable to the BUYER and/or the makers of all the machinery.

Any fuel oil, fresh water or other consumable stores furnished and paid for by the BUILDER for trial runs remaining on board the VESSEL, at the time of acceptance of the VESSEL by the BUYER, shall be bought by the BUYER from the BUILDER at the BUILDER’s purchase price for such supply in Korea and payment by the BUYER thereof shall be made at the time of delivery of the VESSEL. The BUILDER shall pay the BUYER at the time of delivery of the VESSEL for the consumed quantity of any lubricating oil and greases which were furnished and paid for by the BUYER at the BUYER’s purchase price thereof. The consumed quantity of lubricating oils and greases shall be calculated on the basis of the difference between the remaining amount, including the same remaining in the main engine, other machinery and their pipes, stern tube and the like, and the supplied amount.

The BUYER shall, within two (2) days of receipt from the BUILDER of notice of completion of such alterations or corrections and after such further trials or tests as necessary, notify the BUILDER in writing or by

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facsimile confirmed in writing of its acceptance, qualified acceptance or rejection of the VESSEL, all in accordance with the SPECIFICATIONS and the PLAN and this CONTRACT, and shall not be entitled to reject the VESSEL on such grounds until such time.

If the BUILDER is in agreement with the BUYER’s determinations as to non-conformity, the BUILDER shall make such alterations or changes as may be necessary to correct such non-conformity and shall prove the fulfilment of this CONTRACT and the SPECIFICATIONS by such tests or trials as may be necessary.

The BUYER shall, within two (2) days after completion of such tests and/or trials, notify the BUILDER in writing or by facsimile confirmed in writing of its acceptance or rejection of the VESSEL.