Oslo-based owner Atlantica Shipping is active in the sale-and-purchase market, with the company selling four feeder containerships and buying a Japanese-built supramax bulker.
Atlantica chief executive Johan Werner confirmed that the company has sold the 1,730-teu Miro (built 1998), Spero, Polo and Charlie (all built 2002).
The buyers of the containerships are not known, although some sources claimed the quartet had gone to Mediterranean Shipping Co (MSC) of Switzerland for $6m each. TradeWinds has requested comment from MSC.
Atlantica is typically seen as an asset-play company. It is believed to be cutting its exposure to the containership sector to capitalise on the red-hot box market.
Werner also confirmed that the company has acquired the 55,000-dwt bulker Cerulean Phoenix (built 2009), which was built by Mitsui E&S Group. The ship had been in the fleet of Japan's Misuga Kaiun.
Brokers said the Cerulean Phoenix, which is not due for special survey until September 2024, changed hands for $10.5m.
Atlantica, with a fleet of 17 ships, often buys vessels through KG (limited partnership) companies. In the case of the Cerulean Phoenix, Werner said the deal was done with "close friends" and that the ship will be renamed Paro.
The Norwegian shipowner has a diversified fleet made up of tankers, containerships and one other bulker.
Werner holds 60% of the shares in Atlantica. Other investors are Oldendorff of Germany and AM Nomikos of Greece. Management and local investors are also shareholders.
The firm was set up in 1997 as an operator but has since become an owner and manager. It employs its ships on long-term charters and spot-related deals.
