FORM 6-K SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D. C. 20549 Report of Foreign Private Issuer Pursuant to Rule 13a-16 or 15d-16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 For the month of March 2005 EXCEL MARITIME CARRIERS LTD (Translation of registrant's name into English) 67 Akti Miaouli Street 18537 Piraeus Greece (Address of principal executive offices) Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover Form 20-F or Form 40-F. Form 20-F [X] Form 40-F Indicate by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing the information contained in this Form is also thereby furnishing the information to the commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Yes [_] No [X] INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS FORM 6-K REPORT Attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1 is a copy of the Memorandum of Agreement with respect to the acquisition of MV IDC 2, to be renamed MV Attractive, by Excel Maritime Carriers Ltd. (the "Company"). Information furnished on this Report of Foreign Private Issuer on Form 6-K shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference in the Company's Registration Statement on Form F-3 (File No. 333-120259) and any related prospectus, as supplemented, including the Company's Prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)(5) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, on November 5, 2004. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION The Company files annual reports on Form 20-F (File No. 1-10137) and periodic reports on Form 6-K with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized. EXCEL MARITIME CARRIERS LTD. (registrant) Dated: March 16, 2005 By: /s/ Christopher J. Georgakis ---------------------------- Christopher J. Georgakis President and Chief Executive Officer 02545.0001 #555857