THE dry market continues to see the expected seasonal softening of rates, but firm prices being obtained for second-hand vessels reflect the generally optimistic sentiment that prevails.
The main problem is a lack of quality tonnage for sale, with very few fresh candidates coming on the market, and the volume of sales quite small.
The same can be said for the tanker market, where owners are holding out for higher levels than the market is willing to pay, encouraged by a predicted better period over the coming months.
In the tanker market, the Tunisian-controlled La Skhira of about 37,224 deadweight tonne (dwt), built in 1975 at Kasado, has been sold to Thenamaris for about US$3.7 million.
The Iver Falcon of about 32,755 dwt, built in 1975 at Kanda, is believed to have been sold on a bare boat-hire purchase scheme for an equivalent price of nearly $4.6 million.
The IMO 3 chemical tanker Sea Tern of about 10,951 dwt, built by Asakawa in 1981, is believed to be sold for around $6 million.
In the Tweendeckers market, the multi-purpose vessels National Dignity, National Honor and National Pride of about 19,400 dwt, built in 1981, have been sold to a joint venture between PIL, Singapore and mainland buyers for $18.7 million.