Activity in the 1,700TEU sector is continuing to increase, according to Braemar ACM's latest report, with operators now aggressively pursuing modern tonnage that has been on the market for some time.
The shipbroker understands that Far East-based operators are expected to confirm the acquisition of a brace of eco-friendly 1,700TEU vessels, built in 2016 for a total price of US$33.8 million enbloc - "leaving other operators circling for the remaining sisters earmarked for sale," according to Braemar.
In addition, two container ship acquisitions and three vessel deliveries have been reported this week. In particular, German buyers have bought the 4,255TEU boxship Morgana, which was built in 2010 by Hyundai Samho, at a price of US$14.5 million, including the transfer of sub-market charter until early Q3 next year.
The second container ship, which was sold the previous week, is the 3,500TEU Uni Florida. The Dubai-headquartered Simatech has acquired the 13-year old vessel, built at the Hyundai Mipo shipyard, for US$10.5 million, a price considered good for the buyers in a vacuum, but there were said to be some reservations on their condition, according to Braemar.
Meanwhile, there are rumours a 2010 Taiwan built baby-Panamax is close to being committed at US$17 million to a Far East-based operator for delivery in January.
"While this may make for a stark contrast on the surface, this differential [between the price of a prompt and charter-free ship and the price of a ship with a forward delivery] has narrowed considerably from only a month ago - clearly reflecting a growing sense of confidence on the part of buyers that the charter market will continue to have legs for much of 2021 in this size," commented Braemar.
"The strength of today's charter market has driven this differential," said Jonathan Roach, container market analyst at Braemar.
Vessel deliveries saw increased activity last week, with Braemar pointing to three newbuildings during the week 48. The 2,780TEU Noumea Chief, built by Guangzhou Wenchong, was delivered to China Navigation Co Ltd and is expected to be deployed on an Asia-Oceania-Asia service.
Additionally, Korea Marine Transport Co., Ltd. (KMTC) took delivery of the 2,556TEU KMTC Dalian from Hyundai Mipo Dockyard and plans to use it on its Intra-Asia network. Last but not least, Shoei Kisen Kaisha will also enhance its intra-Asia services with its new Ever Crown, built by Imabari Shipyard with 1,984TEU nominal capacity.
