Capital Clean Energy Carriers (CCEC), the diversified shipowner led by Greek shipping magnate Evangelos Marinakis, has agreed to sell one of its three Panamax container ships and finalize financing for a newbuilding project for a medium-sized gas carrier.
Specifically, CCEC has reached an agreement with an undisclosed buyer to sell the 13,312 TEU container ship “Manzanillo Express”, built in 2022, which is expected to be delivered to the new owner in the third quarter of 2025. The transaction is expected to generate a book gain of approximately US$6.9 million for CCEC, and the proceeds will be used to repay debt and for general corporate purposes.
Following the transaction, CCEC’s fleet will continue to operate two 13,000 TEU container ships under long-term charter agreements until 2033, with an option to extend until 2039. The asset disposal is part of the company’s strategic transformation, which aims to shift its strategic focus from container shipping to the liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipping sector and energy transition businesses.
CCEC’s transformation plan was first announced in November 2023. Since February 2024, the company has sold or agreed to sell 13 container ships, raising approximately US$694 million to invest in natural gas assets.
Meanwhile, CCEC has secured a seven-year financing package for six of its medium-sized gas carriers under construction. The six vessels comprise four 45,000 cbm liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) carriers for HD Hyundai Mipo and two 40,000 cbm LPG carriers for Nantong CIMC Sinopacific Offshore & Engineering Co., Ltd (CIMC SOE). The financing is valued at US$310.1 million, which can be increased to US$376.6 million if long-term operations are secured. Pre-delivery financing is also included.
According to reports, CCEC currently operates a fleet of 15 vessels, including 12 LNG carriers and 3 container ships. Its order book includes 6 LNG carriers, 6 dual-fuel medium-sized gas carriers, and 4 LCO₂/multi-gas carriers, with all new vessels scheduled for delivery between 2026 and 2027.