Danaos’ chief executive John Coustas lines up capesize buys to its already established seven-strong fleet.
The John Coustas-led company has snapped up two capes as the market for these vessels is showing ‘unusual seasonal strength’ as Brazilian iron ore exports increase, the coal trade remains elevated, and demand for minor bulks like bauxite and agricultural commodities is following a global recovery.
“Recent stimulus measures in China aimed at supporting construction, infrastructure projects, and consumer demand is expected to keep demand steady as fleet growth begins to slow over the next two years,” he noted.
In December the Greek shipowner completed the acquisition of the 7th capesize bulk carrier.
At the beginning of this year also sealed a deal to acquire two capesizes that aggregate 354,579 dwt.
Danaos added also two extra 8,258 teu containership newbuildings to its orderbook at Yangzijiang shipyard with expected deliveries during the fourth quarter of 2026 and the first quarter of 2027.
CEO Coustas said the company will continue to explore “interesting opportunities” after the delivery of all seven capesize vessels that the company had agreed to acquire earlier in 2023 and the agreements to acquire two additional capesizes.
Meanwhile, all twelve vessels in its newbuilding program are methanol ready, as the owner claims.
“Demand for shipyard delivery slots is very high as the industry is quickly moving to reduce carbon emissions by operating green vessels,” the chief executive noted.
Danaos current fleet consists of 68 containerships and 12 under construction boxships. The owner has also recently invested in the dry bulk sector with the acquisition of 7 capesize bulkers, while it has also agreed to acquire a further 2 capesize bulk carriers aggregating 354,579-dwt.
