Latsis' Marla Dry tied to second bulker sale in two months amid newbuilding push

Multiple shipbroking sources have linked the Greek owner to the sale of 2011-built, 55,885-dwt Supramax bulk carrier Ivy Blue to undisclosed Vietnamese buyers. The Japanese-built vessel reportedly fetched between US$15.5M and US$15.8M.

Hartland Shipping Services described the sale as concluded at strong levels, while Xclusiv Shipbrokers currently values a 15-year-old Supramax at approximately US$15.0M.

This latest reported deal follows the late-May sale of Ivy Blue’s sister ship, Ivy Alliance, which also went to Vietnamese interests for a similar price. That vessel has since been renamed Vosco Prosper and is now listed under Vietnamese ownership in Equasis.

Marla Dry is part of Latsco Shipping, the diversified maritime company of the Latsis family, which manages a fleet of 32 vessels spanning tankers, LNG carriers, bulk carriers and container ships. The company is also executing a substantial newbuilding programme, with 15 vessels on order – including four Ultramax bulk carriers.

In a strategic move that underscores the group’s diversification efforts, Latsco recently placed a surprise order at a Chinese yard for two firm plus two optional 1,900-TEU feeder container ships. Additionally, the Latsis family deepened its exposure to container shipping by acquiring a majority stake in Euroholdings, a Nasdaq-listed spin-off from Euroseas, through Marla Investments – marking its first foray into US public markets.

Supramax/Ultramax segment in demand

The reported sale of Ivy Blue aligns with a wider trend in the secondhand market, where buyer interest has remained heavily focused on the Supramax/Ultramax segment. Riviera previously reported on an en bloc deal involving four Ultramax vessels.

“Buyer interest remained centered on Ultramax and Supramax units, while Capesize continued attracting only modest additional attention,” noted Allied Shipbroking in its latest weekly report.

According to Allied data, the Supramax/Ultramax class remains the most actively traded size in the secondhand market in 2025, with 132 vessels sold to date – averaging 15 years of age.