Dragnis family outfit Goldenport Shipmanagement has purchased a Japanese-controlled boxship in a deal that marks the company’s first expansion in the sector since the autumn of 2017.
A company executive confirmed the acquisition of the 1,700-teu Maersk Wismar (built 2010) but declined to reveal further details.
Several brokers reported the Imabari Shipbuilding-constructed vessel had changed hands for $8.3m.
Ever since it scrapped the larger, 5,700-teu Fortunate (built 1996) in December 2017, Goldenport has been focusing its containership activities exclusively on feeder vessels.
However, it did not buy any ships over that period, maintaining a steady fleet of five units.
A market upturn in containership freight rates may have encouraged the company to start expanding again.
Rate rise to 11-month high
The average rate to charter a 1,700-teu ship for between six and 12 months rose in August to an 11-month high of $8,910 per day, according to Clarksons. However, rates are still far below the three-year peak of $10,850 per day briefly seen in May 2018.
The Maersk Wismar becomes the second-youngest boxship in Goldenport’s fleet and the only one built in Japan.
So far, the vessel has been listed in the fleet of Shoei Kisen. Last week, the Japanese company reportedly also sold a sistership — the 1,708-teu Stellar Windsor (built 2009). Several brokers in London, the US and Greece identified China’s SITC as the buyer of the Stellar Wisdom for $8m.
Goldenport also manages 12 bulkers, from handymax to supramax size, and has two ultramax newbuildings under construction.
The Dragnis family is also present in oil carriers through Oceangold Tankers.
