Greek owner Centrofin snaps up newbuild MR tanker in resale market move

The Greek shipping company has emerged as the new owner of 50,576-dwt Psara (formerly CC Tianjin), a vessel built in 2026.

According to Clarksons, the newbuild vessel was originally ordered by Chinese owner Zhejiang Fuhua at Jiangsu SOHO Innovation and Technology Shipbuilding, formerly known as Sainty Shipbuilding. The vessel formed part of a series of MR tankers delivered between 2025 and 2026.

Greek shipbrokers estimate the resale value of a modern MR tanker at around US$55M, compared with current newbuilding prices of approximately US$52M. The tanker resale market has seen strong momentum recently, with vessels of all sizes changing hands as owners look to secure prompt-delivery assets amid firm charter market conditions.

Centrofin chief executive Yiannis Procopiou noted during the Capital Link forum at Posidonia that the company is investing in newbuilding tonnage while also pursuing opportunities in the resale market.

A review of Centrofin’s fleet shows that the company currently operates three MR2 tankers – two built in 2009 and one in 2018 – suggesting scope for both fleet renewal and expansion in the segment.

Last year, Centrofin acquired a pair of modern LR2 tankers from Enesel in a deal valued at approximately US$143M.

According to information published on the company’s website, Centrofin currently has four Suezmax tankers under construction in South Korea for delivery through 2028, as well as eight Kamsarmax bulk carriers on order in China, all scheduled to join the fleet this year.

The company’s active fleet comprises 43 vessels.

MR tankers continue to attract strong interest from Greek owners. Just last week, Riviera reported that Metrostar Management had returned to the newbuilding market in the segment with an order at HD Hyundai, following similar moves by Thenamaris and Pleiades Shipping Agents.