- 191 Container Ships Sold in H1 2025 Amid Strong Market Demand.
- Tight Supply, Strong Demand Drive Up Ship Prices in 2025.
- MSC Leads Container Ship Buying Spree in First Half of 2025.
The second-hand container vessel sale and purchase market showed strong growth in the first half of 2025, with 191 cellular vessels changing hands for further trading, totalling 526,523 TEU, reports LinkedIn.
Sales Volume Up, TEU Down Compared to H1 2024
In comparison, 141 ships were sold during the same period in 2024, which totalled 572,600 TEU. Additionally, another 492,500 TEU was traded in the latter half of 2024, bringing the overall yearly total to 1.1 million TEU.
High Activity Levels Sustain Momentum
Building on the robust activity in 2024, the market remained lively throughout the first half of 2025, averaging over thirty transactions per month. There was strong demand across all ship sizes, showcasing a broad confidence in the market.
Buyers Unshaken by Industry Uncertainties
Even with various global uncertainties, buyers kept investing in second-hand tonnage. Some of the industry risks included:
- Potential overcapacity following the Red Sea crisis
- Tariffs and actions from the USTR
- Declining freight rates
- The ongoing war in Ukraine
- Rising tensions between China and Taiwan
- A substantial newbuilding orderbook
Despite these challenges, ship acquisitions continued unabated.
Sellers Weigh Profit Against Sale Opportunities
Many shipowners were reluctant to sell, choosing instead to take advantage of the profitable freight and charter markets. Consequently, the supply of available tonnage was tight, particularly for larger or high-spec vessels. This scarcity drove second-hand vessel prices higher.
MSC and CMA CGM Lead Buyer Activity
Once again, MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company emerged as the most active buyer, acquiring 38 vessels in the first half of 2025, up from 33 in the same period of 2024. CMA CGM followed closely with 19 vessel purchases, a notable increase from just 5 acquisitions in H1 2024.
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Source: LinkedIn
