Greek shipowners led global secondhand vessel disposals over the past rolling 12-month period, selling 316 ships — comprising 164 bulk carriers, 117 tankers, 22 containerships and nine gas carriers — more than owners of any other nationality, according to data reported by ProtoThema. The gap with the next-largest sellers was substantial, with Chinese owners selling 156 vessels and Japanese owners 152 over the same period. Analysts said the wave reflects a deliberate strategy of liquidating older or overvalued tonnage to lock in capital gains and renew fleets, with the trend most pronounced in the tanker segment, where asset values have climbed to record levels in some categories.
Data from Veson Nautical showed the five largest Greek tanker sellers completed transactions worth a combined $1.71 billion during 2026, with groups including Tsakos, Frangos, Laskaridis, Lentoudis, Pistiolis and Patitsas among those capitalizing on the rally. Notable deals included Delta Tankers, controlled by Diamantis Diamantidis, agreeing to sell the 2015-built VLCCs Delta Amazon and Delta Apollonia for roughly $120 million each, while Hellenic Tankers of Andreas Hatzigiannis sold the VLCC Stephanie — acquired in 2021 for about $41.5 million — for an estimated $76-79 million. Despite the heavy selling, Greek interests were also the largest buyers in the secondhand market, acquiring 229 ships in the same period, with groups such as Thenamaris of Nicolas Martinos active on both sides of the ledger, underscoring that the sell-off represents fleet renewal rather than an industry exit.
Source: ProtoThema English — https://en.protothema.gr/2026/09/10/greek-shipowners-major-cash-out-316-ships-up-for-auction/
Tags: Greek Shipowners, Tanker Market, Ship Sales, VLCC, Greek Shipping
