Newbuilding orders in the shipping sector are currently showing a lack of momentum, with recent market observations highlighting an overall slowdown in activity. Shipbroker Xclusiv reported several transactions in the secondhand and demolition (S&P) market for various vessels across categories. In the Cape segment, two vessels, “Maran Odyssey” and “Maran Sailor,” both Daewoo-built and 172,000 DWT from 2006, were sold at USD 19 million each. Another significant transaction involved the acquisition of the Supramax “Port Macau” (59,000 DWT, built in 2008) by Chinese buyers for a price close to USD 11 million.
Furthermore, the scrubber-fitted “Strange Attractor” (56,000 DWT, 2006 Mitsui) found new ownership for mid to high USD 9 million. The Handysize sector saw the “Fortune Hero” (35,000 DWT, 2012) sell for USD 8.5 million, while the “Tate J” (34,000 DWT, 2012) was sold for high USD 13 million. In the tanker segment, the VLCC market was notably active, with four vessels being sold, averaging 21 years in age. Notable sales included the VLCC “Wafrah” (318,000 DWT, 2007) which fetched USD 40 million, and the “New Naxos” (300,000 DWT, 2003) which changed hands for around USD 33 million.
Additionally, Chinese buyers acquired the LR2 tanker “Southport” (115,000 DWT, 2008) for USD 35 million. Banchero Costa echoed similar sentiments in the dry sector, reporting the sale of the Cape vessel “Rosemary” (179,000 DWT, 2010) for USD 25 million. The Kamsarmax “Energy Hope” (82,000 DWT, 2012) sold for approximately USD 17 million, while the Handysize “Seastar Merlin” (39,000 DWT, 2025) was reported sold for USD 33.2 million. Finally, the tanker market remained active, with significant sales such as the VLCC “DHT Lotus” (320,000 DWT, 2011) fetching USD 55 million.
The sale of the Suezmax “Pentathlon” (158,000 DWT, 2009) was reported around USD 40.5 million, while two handysize tankers were bought as a block for USD 36.25 million. The overall trends indicate a competitive environment in the market, despite the noted decline in newbuilding orders.