How is Greek shipowner George Economou making waves back in container shipping?
Earlier this year, George Economou’s TMS Group, long focused on tankers and bulk carriers, signalled its intentions to re-enter the container ship market with a major newbuilding order in China. Now, he’s fast‑tracked that comeback by acquiring a modern container vessel from the second‑hand market.
🚢 A Strategic Ship Purchase
TMS Dry, the dry‑bulk arm of Economou’s shipping empire, has taken delivery of the ZIM Yangtze, a 2024-built, 5,500‑TEU container ship previously operated by German owner Elbdeich Reederei. Delivered from South Korea’s HJ Shipbuilding & Construction, the vessel was subsequently chartered to liner operator ZIM on a seven-year deal. Market sources report the sale closed at the end of Q1 2025.
🔭 Bigger Picture: The Newbuilding Order
In February, TMS Group placed a $1.4 billion newbuilding order with Zhoushan Changhong for ten LNG dual-fuel container ships, each of 11,400 TEU. Seven of these are already earmarked for long-term charter by ZIM.
The ZIM Yangtze purchase builds momentum in this relaunch strategy, turning intentions into immediate assets.
🌟 Market Context: Greek Return to Containers
Economou’s re-entry places TMS Group alongside notable Greek shipping players like Danaos, Navios, Euroseas and Capital Group, who have also expanded their container fleets in recent years. His approach blends strategic newbuilds with opportunistic second-hand buys—strengthening fleet and market position swiftly.
“Now the prominent Greek shipowner has further accelerated this return by acquiring a modern container ship from the second‑hand market…”
— RivieraMM report
Maritime financiers and investors: keep an eye on TMS Group’s strategy—combining newbuild innovation with opportunistic asset acquisition in an increasingly competitive container sector.
