A prominent Greek shipping company has been linked to the acquisition of a feeder container vessel, amid a flurry of activity from domestic shipowners in this segment throughout the year
European and Asian shipbrokers report that Goldenport Shipmanagement, led by John Dragnis, has acquired 2023-built, 1,930 TEU Norderney. The Greek shipping company, recently linked to a Capesize bulk carrier, declined to comment on the reports.
According to brokers, the reported sale was concluded at US$35M. The vessel is currently listed under Germany’s Briese Schiffahrts GmbH & Co KG.
Data from Equasis shows that Goldenport currently manages a fleet of 31 bulk carriers and container vessels. The company has also been active in the newbuilding market, particularly through an extensive Ultramax programme initiated over the past two years.
Greek owners drive momentum
Riviera reported this week that Greek shipowners are gradually returning to the newbuilding market for feeder vessels. However, the world’s leading shipowning nation has remained particularly active in the sale and purchase (S&P) market.
According to Veson Nautical’s mid-year report, Greek owners are the second-most active buyers in 2025, trailing only behind Switzerland and the Italo-Swiss liner Mediterranean Shipping Co (MSC), which leads global S&P activity. So far this year, Greek buyers have acquired 15 vessels, tied with French owners, primarily driven by CMA CGM’s acquisitions. Chinese owners follow with 11 reported purchases.
Among the most active Greek buyers are Minerva Dry, Contships and Cosmoship, all of which have focused heavily on feeder container vessels.
Asset prices on the rise
Veson Nautical recorded 162 container vessel transactions in the first half of 2025 – a 21% decrease compared with the same period last year.
Despite the decline in overall volume, heightened interest in select vessel classes has pushed asset prices upward. Outside of the largest 18,000-24,000-TEU segment, prices rose by as much as 16% in the first half of the year, with the strongest gains seen in the 1,100, 1,800 and 4,250-TEU sectors.
