Greek shipping firm Safe Bulkers IPO prices at $19

NEW YORK, May 28 (Reuters) - An initial public offering of 10 million shares of Safe Bulkers Inc, a Greek shipping company, was priced at $19 per share, a dollar below the low end of its target range, the underwriter said on Wednesday.

The company, which ships bulk cargoes, particularly grain, iron ore and coal, on worldwide routes, had said earlier this month that it was planning an initial public offering of 10 million shares for between $20 and $22 per share.

In a preliminary offering document filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, the company said it hired Merrill Lynch & Co, Credit Suisse, Jefferies & Company, Dahlman Rose & Co, Poten Capital Services LLC and DnB NOR Markets as underwriters.

It is seeking a New York Stock Exchange listing under the symbol "SB". (Reporting by Sinead Carew; editing by Carol Bishopric)