Monaco-based dry bulk shipowner and operator Transocean Maritime Agencies has emerged as the buyer behind a fresh order for container ship newbuildings in China, representing a major milestone in its growth trajectory and its first foray into the container ship sector. This development marks a significant diversification step for Transocean Maritime Agencies, which has traditionally focused on the dry bulk and tanker markets. Monaco-based dry bulk shipowner and operator Transocean Maritime Agencies has ordered two 1,930 TEU container ship newbuildings at Guangzhou Huangpu Wenchong Shipbuilding. The ships are believed to be of the yard’s proprietary Wenchong Swan 1900 design, featuring advanced fuel efficiency and modern cargo-handling systems, with delivery expected in 2028. The new container ship newbuildings — to be named MV Ajax C and MV Apollo C — are already listed as under construction, signifying the formal start of the company’s expansion into container shipping. Transocean Maritime Agencies, which is led by Ruth McLoughlin, has been a well-established name in the global shipping community for decades. Founded in the 1960s by the late Guenther Neunhoeffer, a well-known figure in the European shipping world, Transocean Maritime Agencies has built a solid reputation for reliability, operational discipline, and long-term partnerships with major charterers and commodity traders. The Monaco-based shipowner and operator currently controls a diversified fleet of approximately 15 ships with an average age of seven years, primarily consisting of modern dry bulk carriers ranging from supramax to ultramax tonnage, as well as several tankers engaged in niche regional trades. The company maintains a strong focus on technical management, fuel efficiency, and safety performance, operating its ships under stringent environmental standards and regularly investing in fleet upgrades to ensure compliance with evolving IMO decarbonization regulations. Transocean Maritime Agencies has a long history of prudent fleet expansion and disciplined capital deployment. Its last known move in the newbuilding market occurred in 2024, when it contracted two 64,000 DWT ultramax bulk carriers at New Dayang Shipbuilding, both built to the latest energy-efficient standards. The decision to now enter the container segment illustrates the management’s proactive response to changing market dynamics and its intention to diversify earnings across multiple shipping sectors. Industry observers view this move as part of a broader strategic plan aimed at stabilizing long-term revenues through exposure to the more regionally driven feeder container ship trades, which have shown resilience even during cyclical downturns in larger shipping segments. This strategic step also reflects a growing industry-wide shift, as several prominent dry bulk and tanker shipowners — including Latsis, Oceanbulk, and Minerva Marine — have turned to smaller container ships, particularly in the 1,700 TEU to 3,000 TEU range. These feeder-size container ships are increasingly in demand to serve secondary and emerging trade routes, supported by growing intraregional commerce and the need for greater logistical flexibility. For Transocean Maritime Agencies, whose operations already include extensive trading links in the Mediterranean, Middle East, and Asia-Pacific regions, the addition of feeder container ships could enhance its network coverage and strengthen relationships with liner operators and logistics providers. Market sources have also linked Monaco-based dry bulk shipowner and operator Transocean Maritime Agencies to a potential follow-up order for two larger 3,100 TEU container ship newbuildings at New Dayang Shipbuilding, with delivery also targeted for 2028. The ships are estimated to cost about $45 million each, reflecting the strong pricing environment in the container newbuilding market, though the company has yet to make an official statement confirming the deal. Monaco-based dry bulk shipowner and operator Transocean Maritime Agencies has so far declined to comment publicly on the specifics of its container ship newbuilding programme or whether employment has already been arranged for the forthcoming vessels. However, given its long-standing relationships with major charterers and operators, market analysts expect that the ships are likely being built against firm or semi-committed charter coverage. The move highlights Transocean Maritime Agencies’ continued evolution from a traditional dry bulk operator into a multi-segment shipping enterprise with a forward-looking, diversified approach to fleet composition, positioning it to capture new opportunities in an increasingly interconnected global trade environment. 30-October-2025
Monaco-based dry bulk shipowner and operator Transocean Maritime Agencies has made a decisive move into the container sector with a $90 million contract for the construction of two new container ships, signaling its growing ambition to diversify beyond bulk and tanker operations. The latest investment underscores the strategic evolution of Transocean Maritime Agencies, a long-established shipowner and operator with a strong presence in both the dry bulk and tanker markets. With the addition of these two container ship newbuildings, Transocean Maritime Agencies will bring its total container ship fleet to four new ships, further strengthening its foothold in the container segment. Founded in Monaco, Transocean Maritime Agencies has built its reputation as a diversified and forward-looking shipowner that has successfully navigated multiple market cycles in the global shipping industry. Historically recognized for its dry bulk and tanker operations, Transocean Maritime Agencies has managed a fleet of modern, fuel-efficient ships trading worldwide across key commodities including grains, coal, iron ore, and refined petroleum products. The decision to expand its container shipping operations reflects the group’s view of long-term resilience in containerized trade and the need to position itself for structural changes in global logistics. Industry sources suggest that the $90 million newbuilding contract forms part of a broader fleet renewal initiative aimed at maintaining competitiveness and operational flexibility amid tightening environmental regulations. Transocean Maritime Agencies’ management has emphasized its focus on ship efficiency, digital fleet management, and compliance with the International Maritime Organization’s decarbonization framework. The two new container ships are expected to feature advanced propulsion systems and energy-saving technologies designed to meet both current and forthcoming emissions standards. The expansion of its container fleet marks a major step in Transocean Maritime Agencies’ strategic roadmap, enhancing its ability to serve liner operators and regional trade networks in Asia and the Mediterranean. The move comes at a time when many traditional bulk carrier owners are exploring cross-segment diversification as a hedge against cyclical fluctuations in freight markets. By entering the container segment more aggressively, Transocean Maritime Agencies demonstrates a proactive approach to fleet composition, risk management, and capital allocation. With decades of experience in global ship operations and an established technical management infrastructure, Transocean Maritime Agencies continues to evolve as a multi-sector maritime enterprise. The Monaco-based shipowner and operator’s latest order cements its position as a flexible and innovative player capable of adapting to the rapidly changing dynamics of global shipping. 24-October-2025
The industrious New Dayang Shipyard, a cornerstone of China’s maritime construction sector under the Sumec Group umbrella, has once more broadened its project portfolio with additional ultramax bulk carrier newbuild orders. Engaging with Beijing’s Huaxia Financial Leasing, New Dayang Shipbuilding—Sumec Group’s dedicated shipbuilding division—will undertake the construction of eight ultramax bulk carriers, crafted to the Crown 63 Plus design specifications. This development trails the expansion efforts of Ciner Shipping Industry & Trading, a prominent shipowner and operator based in Istanbul, which recently enhanced its fleet through an order of four ultramax bulk carriers at New Dayang Shipyard in Jiangsu. The specifics of the financial arrangement with Huaxia Financial Leasing have not been made public, though estimates place the value of each Crown 63 Plus design ultramax bulk carrier at around $34 million in the current marketplace.
March 2024 saw New Dayang Shipyard finalizing orders for two robust bulk carriers from China Construction Bank (CCB) Financial Leasing, designated for operation under Bohai Shipping (Hebei), with a preliminary agreement also in place for an additional pair of vessels with the same operator. Adding to this momentum, Transocean Maritime Agencies (TMA), headquartered in Monaco, has strategically advanced its operational capacity with an order for two 64K DWT Crown 63 Plus design ultramax bulk carriers, aiming for a 2026 delivery. This move by Transocean Maritime Agencies (TMA) not only underscores its commitment to augmenting its fleet with modern and efficient vessels but also highlights its proactive stance in the competitive maritime logistics and shipping industry. Transocean Maritime Agencies (TMA), with its rich history and strategic positioning in Monaco, serves as a testament to the evolving dynamics of the global shipping sector. Specializing in a wide array of maritime services, Transocean Maritime Agencies’ (TMA’s) investment in newbuilds from New Dayang Shipyard represents a calculated step towards enhancing its operational efficiency and service offering in the bulk shipping market. This decision aligns with Transocean Maritime Agencies’ (TMA’s) long-standing reputation for excellence and innovation in maritime logistics, further solidifying its role as a key player in the industry. Sumec Ocean Transportation, having assimilated Dayang Shipbuilding into its operational fold in 2018, revealed that these accumulated orders have propelled its backlog for Crown 63 Plus ultramax bulk carriers to a staggering 65 vessels. This diverse backlog underscores Sumec’s global reach and the trust placed in its shipbuilding quality by clients across Europe, the Middle East, Japan, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. With this surge in orders, Sumec Group’s maritime division continues to affirm its status as a pivotal force in international shipbuilding, contributing significantly to the global maritime trade infrastructure. 5-April-2024
Transocean Maritime Agencies, based in Monaco, has re-entered the newbuilding market after a seven-year hiatus, indicating a renewed confidence or strategic shift in their business approach. Transocean Maritime Agencies has struck a deal with China’s New Dayang Shipbuilding for the construction of two ultramax bulk carriers, with delivery expected in 2026. This move signifies Transocean Maritime Agencies’ response to market demands or fleet expansion strategies, reflecting a long-term investment in their fleet capabilities. The signing of the contract at the end of last month marks a significant step for the Transocean Maritime Agencies, highlighting its commitment to growth and adaptation in the competitive dry bulk shipping sector. 4-February-2024
Transocean Maritime Agencies, with its base in Monaco, has placed an order for two ultramax bulk carriers in China, according to shipbroker reports. The company, known for owning bulker and tanker vessels, has committed to the construction of 64K DWT ultramax bulk carrier newbuilds at New Dayang Shipbuilding, with an expected delivery in 2026. These new vessels, priced at approximately $33 million each, are designed to comply with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Tier III and EEDI Phase 3 standards, reflecting Transocean Maritime Agencies’ commitment to environmental sustainability. The company, led by Ruth McLoughlin and founded in the 1960s by the late Guenther Neunhoeffer, is making its first bulk carrier order since 2017, when it acquired a pair of kamsarmax bulk carriers from Jinling Shipyard Jiangsu. Currently, Transocean Maritime Agencies boasts a fleet of 18 ships, with an average fleet age of nine years, indicating a relatively modern and efficient fleet. 2-February-2024
Monaco-based dry bulk shipowner and operator Transocean Maritime Agencies acquired 2017 built kamsarmax bulk carrier 81K DWT MV Cyl for around $20 million from Lion Shipping. Transocean Maritime Agencies has been renewing its fleet. In November 2020, Transocean Maritime Agencies sold 2006 built panamax bulk carrier 77K DWT MV Apollo for around $9 million to Greek shipowner and operator Grehel Shipmanagement. Furthermore, Transocean Maritime Agencies sold 2004 built panamax bulk carrier 76K DWT MV Achilles to Grehel Shipmanagement. Currently, Transocean Maritime Agencies has a fleet of 13 bulk carriers and 5 tankers. 9-January-2020
Monaco-based dry bulk shipowner and operator Transocean Maritime Agencies sold 2006 built panamax bulk carrier 77K DWT MV Apollo for around $9 million. Transocean Maritime Agencies MV Apollo to a Chinese shipowner and operator. Japanese-built MV Apollo is due for SS (Special Survey) in January 2021. Transocean Maritime Agencies has sold four (4) panamax bulk carriers since 2019. In 2019, Transocean Maritime Agencies sold three (3) panamax bulk carriers. In September 2019, Transocean Maritime Agencies sold 2004 built panamax bulk carrier 76K DWT MV Achilles for around $9 million to Greek shipowner and operator Grehel Shipmanagement. Currently, Monaco based dry bulk shipowner and operator Transocean Maritime Agencies has a fleet of 14 bulk carriers and 5 tankers. 19-November-2020
The MR2 tanker MT Glenda Meredith, recently sold by the joint venture between d’Amico and Glencore, Glenda International Shipping, is now heading to the Monaco-based shipowner and operator, Transocean Maritime Agencies. This 40K DWT product tanker, constructed in 2010 at Hyundai Mipo, has been purchased by Transocean Maritime Agencies for $19 million. The MT Glenda Meredith had been on the market for approximately eight to nine months, with its sale occurring during a peak period for the product tanker market. This acquisition marks the addition of the fifth handysize tanker to the Transocean Maritime Agencies fleet, which already comprises 14 dry bulk carriers, further diversifying and strengthening their fleet composition. 3-May-2020
The Athens-based shipowning and operating company Omicron Ship Management has finalized the purchase of the 2008-built panamax bulk carrier MV Atlas B. The acquisition, made from the Monaco-based Transocean Maritime Agencies, cost Omicron Ship Management $12.2 million for the vessel, which was constructed by Imabari Shipyard. Although the sale price was $1 million lower than the $13.2 million valuation by VesselsValue, the transaction resulted in a $2.6 million profit for Transocean Maritime Agencies, which had originally bought the MV Atlas B for approximately $9.6 million in 2016. Led by Dinos Economou, Omicron Ship Management’s fleet now includes five panamax bulk carriers, all of which were built in Japan, expanding and reinforcing its maritime operations. 18-March-2019
Monaco based dry bulk shipowner and operator Transocean Maritime Agencies acquired 2010 built tanker MT 46K DWT MV Maersk Mishima. This is the first time that Transocean Maritime Agencies moving into the tanker segment. Japanese shipowner Taiheiyo Kaiun sold MV Maersk Mishima which is under the time charter of Maersk Tankers for $16.8 million. Shipbrokers mentioned the price increase of MR tankers. Comparing with similar MR tanker 2010 built 50K DWT MT Axel which was acquired for $16.3 million in June, 2018. Monaco based dry bulk shipowner and operator Transocean Maritime Agencies has previously focused on the panamax and ultramax dry bulk carriers. Currently, Monaco based dry bulk shipowner and operator Transocean Maritime Agencies has a fleet of 15 dry bulk carriers worth a combined $334 million. Transocean Maritime Agencies also ordered two panamax new-buildings at Jinling Shipyard Jiangsu in China. 30-July-2018
Vintage dry bulk carrier values increasing due to BDI – Baltic Dry Index. Monaco based shipowner and operator Transocean Maritime Agencies sold 2001 Korea built panamax dry bulk carrier 73K DWT M/V Arethusa for $6 million for further trading. Comparing to similar panamax dry bulk carrier 2001 built 72K DWT M/V Ataman was sold for just $3 million to Fujian Ocean Shipping of China. Second-hand tonnage values are increasing day by day in the past weeks. Monaco based shipowner and operator Transocean Maritime Agencies had a fleet of 18 dry bulk carriers. 19-March-2017