by Lloyd's List
5 March 2025 (Lloyd's List) - NUMEROUS containerships have changed hands in the past two weeks as demand for secondhand ships remains high, despite volatility in the freight markets.
“It was yet again another busy fortnight in the container sale and purchase market with various deals concluded or under negotiation and continuously firm prices,” said Alphailiner.
It reports that the majority of deals have been for feeder vessels, although at least two post-panamax units are under firm negotiation and “could be sold in the next few days”.
Nevertheless, it believes that prospects in the longer term for the sale and purchase market are uncertain, as numerous geopolitical and macroeconomic issues challenge container lines.
Shipbroker Braemar reported that price levels and activity levels remain high, with the bulk of transactions in the past week being in the 1,700 teu segment.
“Owners of feeders continue to enjoy the luxury of choice between an active sale and purchase market or a still buoyant charter market, where two-year charters have become increasingly commonplace,” noted Braemar.
Recently reported sales in the larger segments included the 8,500 teu Charleston (IMO: 9461506) and Shenzhen (IMO: 9461491). The 2011-built vessels have been sold by tonnage provider Seaspan with no price being reported for the deal.
They are understood to have been purchased by their current charterer — container line operator Zim.
In the sub-panamax segment, German shipowner Bernhard Schulte is said to have sold the 3,500 teu Gottfried Schulte (IMO: 9328493) to undisclosed buyers. No price was reported for the deal.
Recent feedermax sales included the 2,190 teu, boxship Haris (IMO: 9670119). This 2015-built ship has been sold by Greek tonnage provider Eastern Mediterranean Maritime for $31m to Singapore-headquartered container line operator Neptune Pacific Direct Line.
Meanwhile, Chinese owners are said to have bought the 2011-built Hansa Salzburg (IMO: 9516753) from German tonnage provider Leonhardt & Blumberg. The 1,738 teu ship is reported to have been sold for $18.5m.
