EXCEL MARITIME CARRIERS LTD.

Mitchell gives this funnel for Ismineta, initially the Limassol company’s sole vessel; whether it was vessel-specific is unclear. Angela Star in August 2005 has a similar funnel with black top and broader band, shortly after acquisition, perhaps before the logo was added.

Variants differ in blue shade, top, band width and the M/V lettering. Angela Star in February 2008 looks very dark blue or possibly black, with a still darker top, broad band, thick M just touching V, and only outer serifs on V. Smart has a black top, sky-blue base, narrower band and letters, with a serifed V merging into M. Emerald has no top and a funnel darker than the letters. Marybelle’s M does not touch V. Usually the letter tops align; Ismanaki without a black top is the typical illustrated form, also seen on Elinakos.

Maryville’s logo apparently supplies the group livery, including Bird’s vessels. Santa Barbara’s November 2008 funnel initially appeared black with a possible blue tinge; Iron Brooke’s March 2009 photograph confirms very dark blue. A separate website flag logo is recorded.