Purchases of used ships made by Greek shipowners from the beginning of the year to the first week of August are approaching $4 billion, leading all international second hand sales. Characteristically, the amounts invested in the purchase of used ships by Greek shipping companies are one and a half billion dollars higher than the amounts of the second largest buyer in the world, Chinese shipping companies. Specifically, Greek interests invested $3.87 billion to acquire 183 sailors. In particular, according to Allied Shipbroking, 88 bulk carriers, 89 tankers, 3 container ships and 2 liquefied gas tankers were purchased.

This intense investment activity is typical of the major shipping powers, as it is part of the continuous renewal of their fleets with newer and better tonnage.

The Greeks are also the largest sellers of used ships in the same period, selling 149 ocean liners, from which they received $3.28 billion. Net investment after sales proceeds is approximately $600 million. Greek sales include 73 trucks, 49 tankers, 17 container ships , six gas carriers. Japan is second in sales after Greece, and China is third.

According to Clarkson Research, they are the biggest buyers internationally.

Greek is gaining importance for the first time as it comes in a year when the global used boat market is setting new records in terms of tonnage changing hands. In particular, tonnage in use in 2021 soared to an all-time high, well over 140 million dwt (and valued at more than $48 billion), according to Clarkson Research Services. However, it set a new production record in the first half of this year alone, with a throughput of over 72 million dwt. Looking ahead for the year as a whole, Clarkson Research Services notes that, despite some slowdown in activity after the first half of the year and increased uncertainty about freight markets, overall 2022 has been a strong year in terms of activity. buying and selling used boats. Commenting on the most active national shipping companies, a leading shipping broker notes that “in terms of buyers and sellers, Greek owners are again at the top of the rankings in 2022, participating in more than every third transaction in the market, while Chinese ship owners are second.” largest buyers.

Meanwhile, Clarkson notes that despite the recent slight correction in prices for container and bulk transportation, prices in key segments are still above the level of the beginning of the year. “Our indices are up 11% year-to-date in the bulk carrier sector, 13% in the container sector and 32% in the tanker sector (after rising 66%, 168% and 12% respectively in 2021). Against this background, the estimated value of used car sales has increased: after last year’s record of $48 billion, the value of sales in 2022 increased by 30% year-on-year to more than $33 billion.