- 2024 saw the third-strongest year for container vessel sales, driven by strong freight and charter markets.
- Unlike 2023, ship prices surged, with some vessels selling for double their value by year-end.
- MSC remained the top buyer, purchasing 70 vessels, surpassing 400 second-hand acquisitions since 2020.
The sale and purchase market for container vessels thrived in 2024, marking its third-best year ever. Strong freight and charter conditions, coupled with industry optimism, fueled high transaction volumes and rising ship values, reports Alphaliner.
Container Vessel Sales Reach New Heights in 2024
The year saw 333 cellular container vessels totaling 1.1 million TEU change hands, a significant rise from 2023’s 285 sales.
With over thirty transactions per month on average, activity remained high except for seasonal dips in summer and December.
Soaring Ship Values & Market Confidence
Unlike the price drop in 2023, ship values surged throughout 2024, with some vessels fetching twice their early-year prices by Q4.
This rise reflected growing confidence in the shipping industry and strong market fundamentals.
MSC Dominates the Buying Market
MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company led acquisitions, purchasing 70 vessels ranging from 1,300 to 14,700 TEU, accounting for a third of all sales.
In November, MSC crossed the milestone of 400 second-hand vessel acquisitions since August 2020.
Other key buyers included CMA CGM (15 vessels), HMM (10 vessels), MPC Container Ships ASA (9), and Peter Döhle Schiffahrts-KG (6 vessels).
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Source: Alphaliner
