The Chinese shipping company Seacon Shipping is accelerating its entry into the competitive MPP market and is purchasing six modern vessels.
Six multipurpose vessels / minibulkers were acquired from the Danish shipping company Baltic Shipping to enter the new segment. The price is quoted at US$66.9m.
They were all delivered between 2022 and 2024 and have a carrying capacity of 3,850 tons. Five of the freighters were built in China, plus a Combi Freighter from Damen in the Netherlands. They are due to join the fleet in the second quarter, according to reports.
Seacon had already opened an office in Hamburg in October 2023 to increase its market presence in Europe. It is headed by Managing Director Jan Warmke. MPP vessels (13,500 dwt) have also been ordered from Murakami Hide Shipbuilding for its own account, and two newbuildings have already been put into service.
With a fleet of more than 220 ships under management, including 25 Group-owned vessels, Seacon Shipping is the largest private ship manager in China. The company has been listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange since March 2023.
Seacon recorded a net profit of US$32.5m in the first half of 2024 on a turnover of around US$138m. The order book comprises 24 newbuildings, including five bulk carriers and 19 tankers.
