Greek owner tied to triple container vessel acquisition in S&P market

Shipbrokers link the Greek shipping company to the acquisition of three middle-aged vessels. According to MB Shipbrokers’ latest report, Cosmoship has purchased 4,500-TEU, 2011-built Seaspan Kobe and Seaspan Chiba from tonnage provider Seaspan. Shipping platforms indicate the second vessel has already been renamed Chiba C, consistent with Cosmoship’s naming convention of appending a capital ’C’ to vessel names.

MB Shipbrokers noted the deal was concluded on private terms, with both vessels chartered to liner operator ZIM until mid-2028.

Additionally, in what seems to be an older transaction, Cosmoship has been linked to the acquisition of 2,546-TEU, 2007-built Hammonia Berolina. MarineTraffic and other shipping data sources report the vessel has been renamed Berolina C, providing further evidence of Cosmoship’s ownership.

Cosmoship recently completed a resale deal with Chinese liner company Shanghai Jinjiang Shipping for the newbuild feeder vessels Legacy C and Ability C. Market sources suggest the company successfully divested these vessels at a price exceeding their original construction cost. Equasis data indicates both ships have changed names and are now under Shanghai Jinjiang’s ownership.

According to shipping data platforms, Cosmoship currently operates a fleet of 31 vessels, comprising both container ships and bulk carriers.

Strong S&P activity

MB Shipbrokers recently reported an unexpectedly high level of activity in the sale and purchase (S&P) market, with both liner operators and tonnage providers actively seeking acquisitions.

However, analysts added the “continued strong charter market seems to be the biggest hurdle, as most owners continue to prioritise chartering out as an alternative to selling”.

Greek shipowners have been particularly active in recent months, engaging in both acquisitions and disposals. Alongside Cosmoship, other key players executing significant deals include Andreas Martinos-led Minerva Marine, Thanasis Martinos-led Eastern Mediterranean Maritime, George Youroukos-backed Global Ship Lease and Nikolas Pateras-led Contships.