UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 6-K

REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16 OR

15d-16 UNDER THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Dated: December 22, 2015 

Commission File Number 001-32520

NEWLEAD HOLDINGS LTD.

(Translation of registrant’s name into English)

NewLead Holdings Ltd.

83 Akti Miaouli & Flessa Str.

185 38 Piraeus Greece

(Address of principal executive office)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F.

Form 20-F  x Form 40-F  o

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1):

Yes  o No  x

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7):

Yes  o No  x

On December 22, 2015, NewLead Holdings Ltd. (the “Company”) issued a press release accouncing that the Company has renewed the Contract of Affreightment for one of its bitumen tanker vessels, the MT Katerina L for an additional twelve month period, for the transportation of a minimum of 49,600 metric tons of bitumen over 16 voyages, or, at the Charterer’s option, up to a maximum of 74,400 metric tons of bitumen over 24 voyages. A copy of the press release is furnished as Exhibit 99.1 to this Report on Form 6-K and is incorporated herein by reference.

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.

Date: December 22, 2015

NEWLEAD HOLDINGS LTD.
By:	/s/ Michail Zolotas
Name: Michail Zolotas
Title:  Chief Executive Officer