Buying and selling the fleets that move the world.
What we do.
Buying & Selling the Fleets that Move the World
The Sale & Purchase desk advises owners across all major sectors of the merchant fleet, bulk carriers, tankers, container vessels, gas carriers, and offshore tonnage. Transactions are executed by sector specialists with direct market coverage across competitive sales, private negotiations, structured disposals, auctions, and fleet repositioning strategies.
With five offices spanning Athens to Shanghai, the desk maintains continuous market presence across global trading hours, supported by in-house intelligence, asset valuations, technical assessment, and transaction analytics grounded in live market activity.
Our approach combines commercial execution with technical understanding of the asset itself, from specification and operational profile to class status, trading suitability, and long-term residual value. Advice is given from an owner's perspective, with emphasis on timing, asset quality, and capital discipline.
Track Record
200+ Transactions per year
All Major vessel segments
Behind the Sale
The strongest opportunities are rarely visible to the wider market. Our focus remains on direct owner access, long-standing relationships, and continuous market coverage across active and developing positions. Public marketing is used selectively and only where it strengthens the owner's objective, timing, or competitive leverage.
Questions we answer, in every pitch.
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01 What types of vessels does Optima broker for sale and purchase?
We handle transactions across all major commercial vessel segments, including bulk carriers (handysize to capesize), crude and product tankers, container ships, offshore support vessels, gas carriers (LPG and LNG), and specialized tonnage. Our brokers have deep experience in each segment.
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02 How long does a typical vessel sale take?
Timelines vary depending on vessel type, market conditions, and transaction complexity. A straightforward private sale can close within 30 to 60 days. Competitive sales involving multiple bidders may take 60 to 90 days. We provide a realistic timeline during the initial briefing.
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03 What does "independent broker" mean and why does it matter?
Independent means we are not aligned with any single counterparty. Our role is to broker the best decision for the client, period. When we recommend a price, a buyer, or a vessel, that recommendation is based solely on what serves the client's long-term interest and the asset itself.
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04 Do you assist with vessel inspections before purchase?
Yes. We coordinate pre-purchase inspections including physical surveys, underwater inspections, class record reviews, and condition assessments. We work with reputable independent surveyors and provide our clients with a full report before they commit to a transaction.
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05 Can Optima handle fleet transactions, not just single vessels?
Absolutely. We regularly advise on portfolio acquisitions and disposals involving multiple vessels. Fleet transactions require additional coordination around pricing, sequencing, and delivery schedules, all of which our team manages end-to-end.
Let's start the file.
Ready to Buy or Sell?
Whether you are acquiring your next vessel or optimising your fleet, our S&P desk is ready to move.