Thanasis Martinos-led Eastern Mediterranean Maritime (Eastmed) has made its first bulk carrier acquisition in two years, targeting a modern pair of Ultramax vessels
According to European and Asian shipbrokers, Taylor Maritime has sold 2019-built, 61,300-dwt IVS Okudogo and IVS Prestwick for approximately US$53–54M. The same sources indicated an undisclosed Greek buyer was behind the purchase – identified by market sources as Eastmed.
This marks the company’s return to the bulk carrier secondhand purchase market since 2023, when it previously acquired Ultramax vessels from Taylor Maritime. Data from Equasis shows 2015-built IVS Bosch Hoek and 2016-built IVS Hayakita joined Eastmed’s fleet two years ago and now sail under the names Birdie and Ioannis, respectively. All four vessels were constructed at Japanese shipyards.
Active in the feeder market
While Eastmed has been quiet on bulk carrier acquisitions recently, it has remained active in the container vessel sale and purchase (S&P) market, with a particular focus on feeder ships.In mid-March, Riviera reported the company divested 2015-built, 2,194-TEU vessel Haris, which now operates under the name Neptune Matua under the Singapore flag.
Equasis data also shows Eastmed acquired Chance, a 2024-built, 1,868-TEU vessel, in a resale deal last year. The company was additionally linked to the purchase of another 2023-built feeder ship two years ago.
Eastmed is one of Greece’s most prominent shipping firms, managing a diverse fleet of approximately 75 vessels, including tankers, bulk carriers and container ships. The company is also investing in fleet renewal through newbuildings, with four Ultramax bulk carriers currently under construction in China, scheduled for delivery in 2026.
