Athens: Their country might be bust, but Greek shipowners are once again showing a largesse at Asian yards not seen for a long time. Brokers report that the Greeks ordered a total of nearly $780m in bulkers and tankers in March. April figures are likely to be even higher following this week's news of a $500m order placement by an unspecified Greek for a series of 115,000 dwt tankers for delivery by Juny 2012. Greeks are thought to have spent as much as $2bn on newbuilds so far this year, according to Hellenic Shipping News.
This renewed source of optimism in the shipping sector is a rare bright spark in the depressed industry hence the huge turnout of Asians expected at this year's Posidonia in June. [23/04/10]
Copyright © 2023. All rights reserved. Seatrade, a trading name of Informa Markets (UK) Limited.
