According to Allied Shipbroking’s latest report Chinese and Greek shipowners continue to dominate the second-hand market. In 2025, China purchased 229 vessels, while Greece bought 179. Vietnamese and Turkish shipowners came in third with 33 acquisitions each.
Lloyd’s List reports that second-hand purchases declined ‘moderately’ in 2025, with a 10% drop in the number of ships changing ownership and a 7% downturn in terms of tonnage.
The slowdown was most noticeable in the gas carrier market, where only 49 vessels changed hands, i.e. half the number sold in 2024.
Chinese buyers topped Greek ones in terms of the number of ships. China bought 158 bulkers, Greece 109. Likewise, it purchased 54 tankers, whereas Greece acquired only 47 On the other hand, Greek shipowners continue to the lead the way in the boxship sector with 18 acquisitions.
Translation by Giles Foster
