THE containership sale-and-purchase market has held its momentum, with the past two weeks dominated by brisk trading in sub‑5,000 teu tonnage as buyers continue to chase smaller, flexible units.
And there appears to have been little effect so far, in terms of buyer interest, from disruption caused by hostilities in the Middle East.
“Despite the situation in the Middle East, the buying appetite does not seem to weaken which contributes to keeping prices at firm levels,” said Alphaliner.
But whether that will change as the crisis continues to linger remains to be seen.
The world’s largest container line, and most prolific buyer of secondhand containerships, Mediterranean Shipping Co continues to be active in the market.
MSC was reported by brokers to have bought the sub-panamax Gerhard Schulte (IMO: 9328481) from Germany’s Schulte Group. The 3,534 teu ship, which was built in 2006, is said to have been sold for $24m and is due to be delivered to the Geneva-based line in June, after its current charter expires.
In the feedermax segment, Braemar reports that the Zeaborn Group-owned, 2,824 teu, Monaco (IMO: 9314961) has been committed to an undisclosed “major” container line for $25.5m.
Meanwhile, Hammonia Reederei is said to have sold its 2,798 teu containership Hammonia Baltica (IMO: 9481532). The 2011-built vessel is reported to have been purchased by Vietnamese container line Hai An Transport for $30.5m.
According to Alphainer, Hai An Transport owns 18 boxships in service of between 787 teu and 3,338 teu, and is set to take delivery of two 3,000 teu and two 7,165 teu newbuildings by 2028.
Also in the feedermax segment, China United Lines is understood to have sold the 2,770 teu Cul Jakarta (IMO: 9571325) to India’s Orient Express Lines. The 2012-built vessel realised a price of $39m.
In the regional feeder segment, Marlow Navigation has sold the four high-reefer sister boxships, Arsos (IMO: 9395123), Fouma (IMO: 9395082), Varamo (IMO: 9395044) and Warnow Dolphin (IMO: 9395070). The 1,300 teu vessels have reportedly been sold for $52m en bloc.
While the identity of the buyer has yet to be confirmed, market sources suggest they have been sold to Singapore’s X-Press Feeders.
