Shipbuilding orders have recently experienced a notable increase. Notable contracts include the gas carrier segment, where Singapore-based SFI Energy has engaged Huangpu Wenchong Shipyard in China to construct two LNG-fueled units.
Each vessel is priced at $90 million, with an option for two additional units, and deliveries are anticipated between 2027 and 2028. Additionally, COSCO Group has ordered a semisubmersible heavy lift carrier from GSI in China, set for delivery in 2027.
In Europe, TUI Cruises has finalized an agreement with the Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri for two cruise ships, with a total investment of $1.08 billion per vessel, expected to be delivered between 2030 and 2032. In the sales and purchase (S&P) market, shipbroker Banchero Costa reported several significant transactions within the bulk sector.
The Capesize vessel CAPE UNITY, measuring 180,180 dwt and built in 2007, was sold to Chinese buyers for over $22 million. Other notable sales include the ARABELLA, a 177,000 dwt built in 2005, sold for $18 million and the CAPE FRIENDSHIP, which went for $16 million in January.
In the Panamax segment, Middle Eastern buyers acquired the GRAECIA UNIVERSALIS for around $8 million, while the Far East saw the purchase of TELERI M at $16 million. In the tanker sector, the VLCC DHT PEONY, weighing 320,000 dwt and built in 2011, was purchased by Chinese interests for $55 million.
There were additional sales, including MACEO, which was sold for $40 million, and CHEMTRANS POLARIS at $11.5 million. Finally, broker Xclusiv noted an uptick in the dry bulk market influenced by the USTR proposal, with 13 bulk carriers changing hands, predominantly built in Japan.
Key transactions included the Newcastlemax vessel “Global Commander,” sold for about $32.5-33 million to Chinese buyers. Noteworthy trades also occurred in the Kamsarmax and Panamax sectors, revealing an active market for ship transactions.