Tanker asset values stay red hot

MarineTraffic / Ricardo de Treend Tanker asset values remain red hot as sale and purchase activity accelerates heading into August. Brokers are reporting renewed momentum in the tanker sale and purchase market, with deals emerging across the size spectrum as tanker values continue to hold at exceptionally strong levels. Japan’s Nisshin Shipping has reportedly sold the 19,900 dwt stainless steel chemical tanker Hongkong for $30m. Built in 2017 at Usuki Zosensho, the vessel is the first tanker sold this year by Nisshin, one of Japan’s largest owners with a fleet of more than 100 ships. Activity is also picking up in the larger segments. Belgian shipping giant CMB.TECH is continuing to prune its tanker fleet with the sale of the 299,999 dwt VLCC Donoussa . Sources tell Splash the 2016 DSME-built vessel has been sold to undisclosed buyers for around $122.8m, broadly in line with its VesselsValue valuation. The transaction marks CMB.TECH’s ninth VLCC sale this year. In February, the company sold another Korean-built VLCC of a similar age and size for $102.5m, highlighting the sharp rise in asset values over the intervening months. In the vintage segment, Greek owner Velos Tankers is reportedly selling the 2008-built LR2 tanker Velos Emerald for $50m. Multiple brokers have pointed to the remarkable return on an asset acquired from Mitsui OSK Lines just five years ago for about $17m. This ship has now changed name to Verald and is with Chuan Bo Maritime, a Hong Kong-registered outfit. The sale tag is roughly $3.6m more than market-level pricing portal VesselsValue sets for the Sasebo-built ship. Another notable LR2 transaction has also come to light. Western Shipping has sold the 110,000 dwt LR2 tanker Ellie Lady to Trafigura for $48m, according to market sources. The 2009 Sungdong-built, scrubber-fitted vessel has already been renamed Bom Dia . The week’s most unusual transaction involves the 1,200 dwt small clean tanker Sin Phyong 9 . Built in 1990 by Suzuki in Japan, the vessel has been sold by Korea Myongryu Trading to fellow North Korean owner Pomsan Shipping for an undisclosed price, according to the VesselsValue sales register. Follow Us Hans Thaulow Hans Henrik Thaulow is an Oslo-based journalist who has been covering the shipping industry for the last 25 years. As well as some work for the Informa Group, Hans was the China correspondent for TradeWinds. He also contributes to Maritime CEO magazine. Hans’ shipping background extends to working as a shipbroker trainee with Simpson, Spence & Young in Hong Kong. Newsletter DAILY SPLASH NEWSLETTER Subscribe now for FREE daily news updates. Subscribe Read Next August 3, 2026 Ditas doubles down on suezmaxes with Samsung brace August 3, 2026 Costamare Bulkers offloads its oldest ship August 3, 2026 BP exit puts fresh pressure on UK over Jackdaw and Rosebank August 3, 2026 Navigator Amon seals financing for ammonia carrier newbuilds August 3, 2026 North Star secures $370m to fuel offshore wind fleet growth