Antwerp-based CMB.TECH has agreed to sell its 2010-built suezmax Sofia for a net price of $40.1m, generating a gain of about $20.4m. Delivery to the undisclosed buyer is expected in the fourth quarter of 2025.
The deal for the 165,000-dwt vessel, built at Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries, is in line with VesselsValue’s estimate, pricing the unit at $40.7m.
The move is part of the Saverys family-led group’s ongoing fleet rejuvenation programme, which last year saw five older suezmaxes, built between 2006 and 2008, exit the fleet.
The Sofia deal follows a series of tanker disposals in 2025. Earlier this year, CMB.TECH’s tanker arm Euronav sold the 2012-built VLCC Iris for a $57.1m gain in Q2, while the sales of the 2010-built VLCCs Hakone and Hakata are set to bring in a combined $39.3m in Q3. Together with Sofia, the three VLCCs and one suezmax will generate nearly $117m in capital gains this year.
Following its merger with Golden Ocean earlier this month, the Alexander Saverys-led company now controls a fleet of around 250 vessels, spanning bulk carriers, crude and product tankers, chemical carriers, containerships and offshore wind vessels. The merger added 89 dry bulk vessels to CMB.TECH’s portfolio, strengthening its position as one of Europe’s most diversified shipowners.
In a governance shift, Marc Saverys, father of the CEO, has stepped down as chairman of the supervisory board of the enlarged company.
Euronav currently operates 18 suezmaxes with an average age of just over seven years and has two newbuildings on order.
