Exhibit 15.1


            Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

We consent to the  incorporation by reference in the  Registration  Statement on
Form F-3 No.  333-120259 of Excel  Maritime  Carriers  Ltd.,  and in the related
Prospectus, of our report dated April 19, 2006, with respect to the consolidated
financial  statements of Excel  Maritime  Carriers Ltd.  included in this Annual
Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2005.


/s/ Ernst & Young (Hellas) Certified Auditors Accountants S.A.

Athens, Greece
June 29, 2006