Secondhand VLCC Market Sees Volume & Price Surge

Release time:

2026-10-19 15:21

Source:

Shipping Herald

According to Shipping Herald, data from Xclusiv Shipbrokers points to buoyant secondhand VLCC trading with striking price levels. Transactions show that 15‑year‑old VLCCs have been traded at prices even above newbuilding rates.

Specifically, Xclusiv Shipbrokers’ transaction records indicate that Dubai‑headquartered Onex DMCC spent USD 200 million to acquire the VLCC Pinios (IMO 1038896, DWT 299,999), built in 2026 by Hengli Heavy Industry, from Dynacom Tankers under Greek shipowner George Procopiou.

Meanwhile, two 15‑year‑old VLCCs were sold for over USD 130 million each. The Kallista (DWT 317,441, built 2010) and Ashoka (DWT 302,550, built 2010) changed hands at USD 132 million and USD 130 million respectively.

In addition, the Nissos Heraclea (DWT 313,525, built 2009) was sold at USD 111 million. The Rain Cubic (DWT 319,429, built 2008) was purchased by an Emirati buyer for USD 90 million.

At the same time, the Tina 5 (DWT 316,502, built 2002) was transacted at USD 55 million. The Xi Xiu (DWT 299,996, built 2003) was sold for USD 62.25 million, higher than the approximately USD 57 million deal for the Hellstugutinden (DWT 299,095, built 2003) closed in August. This further demonstrates buyers’ readiness to pay substantial premiums for secondhand VLCC tonnage.

For Suezmax tankers, Trafigura bought the Seaways Sabine (DWT 158,493, built 2012) for USD 75 million. The Stella (DWT 164,714, built 2011) changed hands at USD 80 million.

In summary, current pricing stands at USD 165 million for 5‑year‑old VLCCs, while 15‑year‑old VLCCs trade above the newbuilding price of USD 131 million. This reflects shipowners’ willingness to pay a premium for tonnage that can immediately enter the strong spot market.

CHINA WINNER SHIPPING HOLDINGS LIMITED, established in Hong Kong in 2008 with operations in Shandong, is an experienced secondhand ship trading firm. We provide professional sale & purchase services of secondhand crude oil tankers, product tankers, oil-chemical tankers, VLCC, Suezmax, Aframax, Panamax tankers, bulk carriers, reefer vessels and fish meal processing ships for global shipowners, covering vessel inspection, document due diligence, export registration and delivery arrangement. Contact us if you are seeking reliable secondhand tankers, dry bulk carriers, refrigerated ships or special fishing vessels.

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