Peter Döhle emerges as owner of Kamsarmax involved in auction process

According to Equasis, Peter Döhle is now listed as the owner of 2019-built, 81,780-dwt vessel Albina, previously known as SDTR Dora. Greek shipbrokers reported in late June that the Chinese-built ship had changed hands via auction for around US$24.5M.

However, market sources suggest a slightly different sequence of events. The vessel was initially marketed for online auction in late April, with bidding scheduled for 5 June and a starting price of US$24.8M. This attempt appeared to be unsuccessful.

Following that, SDTR Dora was heavily marketed again by Chinese brokers – not through a formal auction platform, but in a tender-like process, with offers invited by 18 June. The vessel was then reportedly sold on 27 June at the aforementioned price.

Both Albina and similar-age Kamsarmax Avicl Artemis were offered for sale by a subsidiary of AVIC Leasing. Avicl Artemis has not yet undergone a name change.

Active buyer

Though traditionally more active in the container ship sector, Peter Döhle currently manages a fleet of around 35 bulk carriers across various sizes – from Handysize to Capesize – according to its website.

In 2024, the German company acquired 2011-built Capesize Yue May, which has since been renamed Almera. The year prior, it took delivery of 2012-built Capesize Alba, formerly Mount Apo.

Peter Döhle has also been linked this year to newbuilding contracts in China for 8,400-TEU container ships.

Modern Kamsarmaxes draw interest

The market has seen a noticeable uptick in modern and mid-aged Kamsarmax vessels being put up for sale in recent months.

Shipbrokers recently reported the sale of three Chinese-built Kamsarmaxes, built in 2017 and 2018, via auction for US$23.5–24.0M each.

In comparison, a 2016-built Japanese Kamsarmax has reportedly fetched a higher price, with buyers paying around US$25.0–25.5M, highlighting the premium often placed on Japanese-built tonnage.

Meanwhile, Riviera has reported that Seatankers Management, the private shipping company led by John Fredriksen, has sold 2014-built, 81,700-dwt vessels Sea Pegasus and Sea Gemini. Both ships reportedly changed hands for approximately US$17.5M each, though the buyers have not been disclosed.