The S&P market is seeing strong momentum. In terms of age profile, 10–15-year-old ships are once again among the most sought-after, supported by capesize rates now closing in on the $45,000 per day mark—levels not seen in years.

Tokyo-headquartered NYK Bulkship has agreed to sell the 2012-built, 107,000 dwt NBA Rembrandt, with multiple brokers pointing to ArcelorMittal Shipping as the buyer at $18.7m. This follows September’s disposal of the one-year-younger sistership NBA Rubens, which Golden Union acquired for around $15m. It’s worth noting that this ship’s special survey and dry dock were due in January.

In October, another baby cape changed hands. Japanese owner Nissen Kaiun sold the slightly larger but same-aged Bastions (119,500 dwt, 2012), a deal reportedly concluded at $17m, also with its dry dock and special survey, due next month. 

The pattern follows traditional-sized capes that compare favourably with earlier deals this month. Two weeks ago, Splash reported that a 15-year-old cape broke the $30m barrier: the Koyo-built Seaunity (181,400 dwt, 2010) changed hands at $30.5m–$31m, buoyed by a freshly passed special survey. By comparison, this week a 2011-built sistership has reportedly sold for $32m despite having its special survey still due. The vessel, Pacifist, was reported to have been sold by NGM Shipping, a group known for opportunistic asset play. NGM added the ship five years ago for approximately $19m, underscoring the strong capital gains currently available in the segment.