Centrofin tied to US$143M deal for Enesel's LR2 vessel pair

According to multiple shipbroking sources, the transaction involves 2023-built Kavafis and 2024-built Elytis (both 113,840 dwt) for a reported total price of US$143M. While reports identified an undisclosed Greek shipowner as the buyer, market sources now associate Centrofin with the purchase. Both companies have been contacted for comment.

Kavafis and Elytis were part of a three-vessel LR2 order placed by Enesel at CSSC’s Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding in China. Some shipbrokers estimate Enesel originally paid around US$50M per vessel. If the reported sale is confirmed, it would represent a significant profit for the Greek owner.

According to its website, Enesel currently owns a fleet of 30 vessels, primarily tankers, along with container ships and bulk carriers. Meanwhile, Centrofin manages a fleet of 42 vessels, consisting of tankers and bulk carriers. Both companies have been active in the newbuilding market in recent years, focusing on tanker construction.

Busy S&P activity

The tanker sale and purchase market has been highly active, with Greek owners re-emerging as buyers following a period of lucrative sales in recent years, particularly in the wake of the Russia-Ukraine war.

Among the latest reported transactions, a Greek owner has been linked to the acquisition of a 2006-built Aframax/LR2 tanker, while two other Greek companies have reportedly purchased middle-aged MR tankers. Additionally, another Greece-based shipowner is said to have secured an en-bloc deal for two 2009-built Suezmax tankers.

This surge in Greek tanker acquisitions reflects the strong demand for secondhand tonnage, as shipowners position themselves strategically in the evolving market.