John Dragnis-led Goldenport Shipmanagement has reportedly extended its summer Capesize bulk carrier buying spree, being linked to a second vessel acquired from the same owner
European shipbrokers have tied the Greek dry bulk and container shipping specialist with the 2012-built, 176,000-dwt Pacific South for a reported price of US$27.5M.
Shipbroking sources note that the vessel had been put up for sale in June and failed to find a buyer, so was pushed again on the market last week.
In early July, Riviera reported that Goldenport had acquired the similarly aged Capesize Pacific East. At the time, brokers indicated the deal was worth around US$28.0M. This transaction has since been confirmed, with the vessel renamed Despotiko, according to data from shipping intelligence platforms.
Both vessels are listed with South Korea’s Sinokor, which has reportedly carried out several Capesize disposals in recent months.
According to Equasis data, Goldenport currently oversees a fleet of 31 bulk carriers and container vessels. The company has also been active in the newbuilding market, pursuing an extensive Ultramax programme over the past two years.
Beyond dry cargo, the Dragnis family maintains a presence in the tanker sector through Oceangold Tankers and has recently expanded into the offshore vessel segment.
Active S&P market
The Capesize sale and purchase (S&P) market has seen a steady flow of activity in recent weeks, with interest focused on middle-aged and younger tonnage. US-listed Genco Shipping & Trading has acquired a 2020-built vessel, identified by brokers as the Japanese-built Bulk Ginza.
More recently, Greek-owned Cape Aqua, built in 2009, reportedly sold for around US$24.0M.
According to Allied Shipbroking, 47 Capesize bulk carriers have changed hands so far this year, with an average age of 16 years. In 2024 as a whole, shipbrokers recorded 126 transactions with an average vessel age of 13 years.
Xclusiv Shipbrokers notes that Capesize asset values have declined in August compared with the same month last year, with 15-year-old ships seeing the steepest drop (11%). In contrast, 10-year-old vessels – which have attracted growing interest in the secondhand market – have seen their values rise by around 2%.
