The demand for dry bulk carriers is experiencing a notable uptick, as indicated by recent activity in the ship sale and purchase (S&P) market. According to shipbroker Xclusiv, this week has been particularly bustling, with transactions occurring across all segments from Capesize to Handysize.
In the Capesize sector, significant sales included the Chinese-built vessels “Pacific East” (176K/2012) and “Golden Zhoushan” (176K/2011), which sold for USD 27.5 million and USD 22 million, respectively. The Kamsarmax/Panamax segment also saw action, with Greek buyers purchasing the “Atalanta” (82K/2010) for USD 15.5 million and the “SDTR Dora” (82K/2019) fetching USD 24.5 million at auction.
Other notable transactions in the Ultramax/Supramax segment included the sale of “IVS Swinley Forest” (60K/2017) to Greek buyers for USD 23.5 million and “Luminous Sky” (54K/2005) for USD 6.25 million to Chinese buyers. The Handysize market also demonstrated vigor with the sale of the resale “Jiangsu Dajin DJHC6118” (40K/2025) for USD 30 million to Italian buyers.
Additionally, European buyers committed to three vessels for a total of around USD 39 million, while other trades included the “Yuka D” (34K/2011) sold for USD 9 million. A parallel surge in activity was noted in the wet sector.
Xclusiv reported 12 sales across major segments, including the VLCC “New Tinos” (300K/2003), which was sold for USD 37 million. Similarly, the Suezmax “Concord” (159K/2005) was sold to Chinese buyers for USD 23.5 million.
This sustained interest across dry and wet sectors reflects a robust trend in the shipping industry.