Anumber of newbuilding orders were reported over the past week. In its latest weekly report, shipbroker Banchero Costa commented that “newbuilding activity this week was broad-based, with significant contracting across the container, tanker, bulk carrier and gas carrier sectors. Chinese shipyards continued to secure a substantial share of the reported business, with Hengli Heavy Industries featuring prominently across several sectors. In the container sector, Zhonggu Shipping reportedly contracted 2x 14,000 teu containerships at Hudong-Zhonghua, priced at approximately USD 155 million each, with deliveries scheduled for December 2029. The vessels will feature conventional propulsion. A German owner was also reported to have contracted 4x 3,200 teu containerships at Hengli, priced at approximately USD 48 million each, with deliveries scheduled between June and December 2028”.
The shipbroker added that “in the bulk carrier sector, Yangzijiang Maritime reportedly contracted 4+2 82,000 dwt bulk carriers at Jiangsu Watts & Engineering, with deliveries scheduled for March and June 2028. Eurodry also reportedly contracted 3x 82,000 dwt bulk carriers at Hengli Heavy Industries, priced at approximately USD 37 million each, with deliveries scheduled for September 2029. The owner had previously placed two further vessels of this type at the same yard in April and May 2026, although these contracts had not been made public. Tanker ordering was particularly notable this week. Liquimar Tankers reportedly contracted 3x 157,000 dwt crude oil tankers at Jiangsu New Hantong, with deliveries scheduled between June 2029 and June 2030. Top Ships reportedly contracted 4x 50,000 dwt tankers at Guangzhou Shipyard International, with deliveries scheduled for June 2029. The vessels will feature Ice Class 1A specifications. Emarat Maritime also reportedly contracted 5x 74,000 dwt tankers at Jiangsu Hantong Shipbuilding, priced at approximately USD 55 million each, with deliveries scheduled between June 2029 and December 2030”, Banchero Costa concluded.
Meanwhile, in a separate note this week, Veson Nautical said that “bulker values held broadly stable this week, with Capesize edging slightly lower alongside softer earnings. The Capesize Pan Advance sold at a premium, in line with firm demand for prompt tonnage. Capesize Pan Advance (179,200 DWT, Sep 2009, Hyundai Heavy Industries Ulsan) sold to Greek buyers for USD 37.0 mil, VV Value USD 34.60 mil. Panamax Wei He (79,400 DWT, Jun 2012, Jinhai Intelligent Manufacturing) sold SS/DD due by Cinda Financial Leasing for USD 16.5 mil, VV Value USD 17.63 mil. Ultramax Bulk Guatemala (61,400 DWT, May 2013, Iwagi Zosen) sold to Lianson Fleet Group Berhad for USD 23.0 mil, VV Value USD 24.35 mil. Supramax Jin Xing (55,500 DWT, Jul 2007, Oshima) sold to Heng Fa Shipping for USD 14.6 mil, VV Value USD 14.12 mil. Supramax Shenli (56,000 DWT, Sep 2004, Mitsui Tamano) sold to Chinese buyers for USD 9.8 mil, VV Value USD 10.88 mil. Handysize Marem (34,100 DWT, Mar 2012, Dae Sun) sold SS/DD due by VG Shipmanagement for USD 13.0 mil, VV Value USD 13.40 mil. Handysize ZBB Serenity (37,300 DWT, Oct 2010, Huatai Heavy Industry) sold to Turkish buyers for USD 12.0 mil, VV Value USD 12.35 mil”.
Veson also noted that “crude tanker values rose further as VLCC supply remained tight and buyers turned to Suezmaxes as a lower capital outlay alternative, with several 2010-built Suezmaxes reported at similar levels this week. Older tonnage also stayed in demand, with the 2004-built VLCC Southern Emperor changing hands. VLCC Eurospirit (320,100 DWT, Dec 2011, Daewoo) sold SS/DD due to Middle Eastern buyers for USD 153.0 mil, VV Value USD 193.05 mil. VLCC Southern Emperor (297,400 DWT, Nov 2004, Dalian New Yard) sold by Minsheng Financial Leasing for USD 110.0 mil, VV Value USD 102.94 mil. Suezmax Achilleas (158,400 DWT, Jun 2010, Hyundai Heavy Industries Ulsan) sold by Sun Enterprises for USD 98.0 mil, VV Value USD 100.47 mil. Suezmax Maran Poseidon (158,300 DWT, Jan 2010, Hyundai Heavy Industries Ulsan) sold by Maran Tankers for USD 98.5 mil, VV Value USD 101.88 mil. Aframax Hydra (105,700 DWT, Sep 2004, Sumitomo) sold by Eastern Mediterranean Maritime for USD 51.5 mil, VV Value USD 52.36 mil. MR2 Valle Azzurra (50,700 DWT, Dec 2007, SPP) sold to West African buyers for USD 20.0 mil, VV Value USD 21.85 mil”, it concluded.
Nikos Roussanoglou, Hellenic Shipping News Worldwide
