Greek shipping powerhouse Eastmed has finalized the sale of its 2,194-TEU container feeder vessel Haris for a reported $31 million, according to Greek shipbroking sources. The vessel, delivered in 2015 by Guangzhou Wenchong Shipyard in China, is currently under charter to global operator CMA CGM. The buyer remains undisclosed, although industry chatter suggests a Singapore-based operator could be behind the acquisition.
This transaction reflects a continuing trend among Greek owners capitalizing on resilient values in the secondhand container market. Notably, it’s the second major deal in recent months involving a 2015-built feeder vessel of Greek origin. Earlier, Cape Shipping sold the Cape Monterey—now operating as CNC Padma—to CMA CGM, further reinforcing the French carrier’s aggressive fleet expansion strategy.
Eastmed, led by shipping magnate Thanassis Martinos, has maintained a strong presence in the secondhand vessel market. In 2023, the company added the Chance, a newly built 1,868-TEU feeder ship, to its fleet via a resale agreement. Eastmed has also been linked to the acquisition of another modern feeder vessel, highlighting its strategic positioning amid evolving supply chain patterns and growing demand for regional capacity.
Diversification and Expansion
The Athens-based firm manages one of the largest and most diversified fleets in Greece, comprising around 80 vessels, including tankers, bulkers, and container ships. The container division consists of approximately 12 vessels, and the company shows no signs of slowing down. Eastmed is currently investing in a newbuilding program for four Ultramax bulk carriers under construction in China, with deliveries scheduled for 2026.
Leadership and Industry Perspective
CEO Thanassis Martinos, recently honored with the Greek Shipping Leadership Award at the Capital Link Greek Shipping Forum, emphasized during his address the unpredictability of global shipping. He referenced the disruptions caused by the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the Red Sea crisis, pointing out that not even advanced tools like AI could foresee such market-altering events.
Martinos’ balanced view combines traditional maritime wisdom with cautious optimism about digital transformation, illustrating Eastmed’s adaptability in a volatile global environment.
