The latest S&P report by Lion Shipbrokers mentions many deals involving Greek players this week, most notable of which came in the tanker segment, where M/T "NOMAD" (44,999 dwt, blt 2003 Hyundai/S.Korea), M/T "SINBAD" (44,999 dwt, blt 2003 Hyundai/S.Korea) and M/T "GALAHAD" - (44,996 dwt, blt 2003 Hyundai/S. Korea) were sold en bloc to Greek buyers for $15.5 million each.

A Greek player has acquired Panamax bulk carrier IVS MERLOT (76,263 Japan 2005) for USD 16 million, according to the latest market report by Intermodal.

Diana Shipping, a global shipping company specializing in the ownership and operation of dry bulk vessels, today announced that it has entered into a time charter contract with Cargill International S.A., Geneva, through a separate wholly-owned subsidiary, for one of its Capesize dry bulk carriers, the m/v Sideris GS.

Brokers are reporting two noteworthy orders placed by Greeks this week, both at Japan Marine Utd. The first is for two bulk carriers(dwt 180.000) placed by Greek firm Oceanbulk with delivery expected in 2015. The price has not yet been disclosed. The second is also for two bulkers by Carras Maritime at Japan Marine Utd.

"While trading conditions remain challenging in the container and dry bulk sectors our focus is one of continuing to maximise fleet employment but fixing the vessels on relatively short term contracts, Goldenport CEO John Dragnis says in a trading update issued by the company.

Fearnleys Weekly notes the sale of tanker vessel Atlantic Lombardia (35.841 - 2000) to Greek buyers for USD 10,30 million. The report also mentions the acquisition of bulk carrier Nikkei Tiger (45.363 - 1997) by Greeks for a reported USD 8,10 million. In the newbuilding market, it appears the Lunar holidays put a natural damper on new confirmed shipbuilding contracts.

In the VLCC segment this week we had the sale of the “MAERSK ELI” (308,491 dwt - blt 2000 S. Korea) which was reported sold at price of around $32m by Monaco based buyers SBM, Intermodal notes in the latest market report.

In the newbuilding market, Marmaras Navigation is said to be placing an order for the construction of for the construction of three 180,000dwt bulkers, plus an option for three more, with delivery between late 2014 and 2015. In the tanker segment, Central Mare of Greece placed an order for the construction of a product tanker 49,000dwt at Hyundai Vinashin with delivery in 2014.

Brokers are reporting an order placed by a Greek player at HHI, S.Korea for one (+1) Multipurpose Offshore Construction Vessel unit to be delivered in the second half of 2015 for an undisclosed price. In the secondhand market, MR tanker vessel BALTIC ADONIA I (dwt 37.197 blt 2003 S.Korea) has been sold to Greek buyers according to broker reports.  The acquisition price is approximately USD 12.2 million.

Chilean CSAV went to Samsung for a major container ship order. Seven firm, with an option for further seven 9000 TEU vessels were concluded at a price reported to be around USD 80 million each. A couple of bulk carrier orders at Japanese yards also came to the surface.