Clarksons Research reports a robust start to 2025 for tanker secondhand sales and purchase (S&P) activity, with 409 vessels totaling 44.5 million deadweight tons (dwt) and $13.9 billion changing hands—up 27% in dwt terms from 2024's run rate, though only 3% higher in dollar value due to softer pricing. This signals healthy market liquidity despite valuation headwinds, underscoring sustained demand for tanker assets.
Key Sales Figures and Volume Growth
Tanker S&P has demonstrated resilience, driven by investor appetite for tonnage amid geopolitical tensions and steady crude demand. The 27% dwt increase reflects broader participation across vessel sizes, while the modest 3% dollar rise highlights pricing normalization after 2024 peaks.
- 409 tankers sold year-to-date
- 44.5m dwt total capacity
- $13.9bn transaction value
Secondhand Pricing Trends
Clarksons’ five-year-old tanker price index averaged 10% lower in 2025 versus 2024, pressured by ample supply and freight volatility. However, values stabilized in December, with VesselsValue noting VLCC gains: 20-year-old 310,000 dwt vessels up 7.27% month-on-month to $43.21m, fueled by scarcity of eco-compliant units. This uptick since September (+5%) suggests a floor forming, potentially aiding future deals.
Headline Deals and Sector Momentum
Prominent transactions reinforce the market's vitality. NYK sold the 19-year-old VLCC Towada for $45.7m, while Cido Shipping offloaded the 14-year-old sisters Mermaid Hope and Mercury Hope en bloc for $120m. These sales, alongside stable bulker and container activity—despite softer container spot rates—point to selective but firm buying interest.
- NGM Shipping's capesize Pacifist: Bought for ~$19m five years ago, sold for $32m
- NYK Bulkship's NBA Rembrandt: $18.7m to presumed ArcelorMittal buyer
- Container trio (8,568 teu): $90m en bloc to Global Shiplease with CMA CGM charter
Implications for Shipping Investors
While tanker S&P volume growth outpaces value amid 10% price erosion, rising older-tonnage premiums signal tightening supply chains and regulatory pushes for compliance. Bulker stability and container charter firmness (up 35% y-o-y) broaden the positive outlook, but persistent spot rate weakness warns of overcapacity risks. Investors eyeing 2026 should prioritize vessels with upgrade potential, as capital gains like NGM's underscore opportunistic plays in a maturing cycle.
