Hayfin swoops on Enesel's Capesize trio, marking Lemos family’s dry bulk exit

The deals also mark the exit of the Andonis and Filippos Lemos-led owner from the dry bulk sector. However, the company told Riviera it plans to re-enter the market, aiming to build a significant fleet of modern vessels across the size spectrum.

The London-based alternative asset manager confirmed the delivery of 2016-built GH Hopper, formerly Thalassini Njord. This is the third Capesize to join Hayfin’s fleet in the past 2.5 months, following 2011-built GH Papagayo and 2015-built GH Franklin – formerly Thalassini Agatha and Thalassini Niki respectively.

The vessels will be managed by Greenheart Management, Hayfin’s inhouse shipmanagement platform. “This milestone completes months of close, effective and constructive collaboration with Enesel Group and our valued partners Anglo-Eastern,” Hayfin said.

Riviera reported in mid-July on the GH Papagayo deal, with brokers suggesting the vessel was sold for about US$29M. Pricing for the other two vessels remains undisclosed. According to Xclusiv Shipbrokers, a 10-year-old Capesize is currently valued at around US$46M.

Hayfin has an established track record in shipping, with more than US$4Bn invested across dry bulk, tankers, container ships, LPG and LNG carriers. Its maritime strategy is led by Andreas Povlsen. Data from shipbuilding platforms also show the company has been active in newbuildings in recent years, placing orders for bulk carriers and tankers in South Korea and Japan.

Enesel focuses on tankers and containers

For Enesel, the disposals appear to mark a full exit from the dry bulk market. The company’s website had listed just one Capesize – corresponding to Thalassini Njord – which has now been delivered to Hayfin.

Enesel’s fleet currently comprises 15 tankers and 11 container vessels, according to company data.

The owner has also been active on the tanker sales front. In February, it sold two 2023-built Aframax/LR2 tankers to Centrofin Management, led by Dimitris Procopiou, for a reported US$143M. More recently, Enesel was linked to the sale of 2018-built VLCC Papalemos to US-listed DHT Holdings for about US$107M.