Greek owner Metrostar pivots back to Suezmaxes after box ship buys

The Greek shipping company revealed on its website that it has acquired 2013-built, 160,250-dwt Metro Moon, formerly known as Fairway.

Shipbroking sources reported in late 2025 that the vessel had been sold for around US$44.5M, although the deal eventually collapsed. The ship resurfaced in sale reports last January at a price of roughly US$53M before reportedly changing hands a month later for an improved US$56M.

Metrostar exited the Suezmax segment in October last year through the sale of its final two vessels in a deal reportedly worth around US$156M with fellow Greek owner Delta Tankers.

Beyond Metro Moon, the owner operates a fleet of six LR1 and LR2 tankers. Earlier this year, the company also entered the container vessel segment through the acquisition of three 2008-built feeder ships.

Established in 1996, Metrostar is known for its strategic asset plays in the tanker market, often selling vessels under construction at substantial premiums.

The Suezmax sector has attracted growing newbuilding interest in recent months, keeping secondhand sale-and-purchase activity at more moderate levels. Greek shipbroker Allied Shipbroking estimates the value of a five-year-old Suezmax tanker at around US$92M, compared with a newbuilding price of approximately US$89M.

According to Allied, secondhand prices across all age groups have risen by as much as 9% over the past month.

The broker’s data also shows that 27 Suezmax tankers, with an average age of 12 years, have changed hands so far this year, while owners have placed orders for 54 newbuildings.