Greek owners Golden Union, Astra Shipmanagement swoop on Japanese-built bulkers

Among the latest transactions, Theodore Veniamis-led Golden Union has struck again, completing its third post-Panamax acquisition within a year.

The traditional Greek shipping company has emerged as the new owner of 2011-built, 107,290-dwt Nba Rubens, which has already been renamed Gu Pride. Shipbrokers earlier this year reported the Japanese-built vessel changed hands for around US$15M.

Riviera previously reported on Golden Union’s purchases of 2013-built Km Hakata (now Cpt Andreadis) and 2010-built Sakaide Maru (now Flag Marina).

According to Equasis data, Golden Union currently operates a fleet of about 40 bulk carriers, mainly comprising Capesize and Kamsarmax vessels.

Data from Allied Shipbroking shows 22 post-Panamaxes with an average age of 14 years have changed hands so far this year, compared with 38 units in 2024, maintaining the same age average.

Astra adds Kamsarmax

Turning to the Kamsarmax segment, Aris and Stefanos Koropoulis-led Astra Shipmanagement has been listed as the new owner of 2010-built, 82,071-dwt Eternal Bliss, now renamed Pelagia.

Shipbrokers have reported a price close to US$17M for the Japanese-built vessel.

Astra Shipmanagement last appeared as a secondhand buyer in 2023, when it acquired two Kamsarmaxes built in 2012 and 2013. The company operates a diverse fleet of 14 vessels – including bulk carriers, product tankers, and one container ship – according to information published on its website.

In its latest weekly report, Weberseas noted that demand for secondhand Kamsarmaxes has strengthened this year, with 81 sales recorded, up from 70 in 2024, representing a 15% increase.

The same source added that Greek buyers remain dominant, followed by Chinese interests, while several new entrants from various shipping nations have also appeared in recent purchase tables.