By November in 2012, Greek shipowners had placed newbuilding orders for 101 ships of 7.6m dwt worth around $3.9bn, according to Golden Destiny.

These figures are much less than 2011 full-year newbuilding orders for 178 vessels of 14.1m dwt worth around $9.2bn.

The number of vessels contracted had decreased as well as the values.

Golden Destiny said bulker orders dominated with 41 orders, while 21 tankers and 22 containerships were ordered by Greeks by November in 2012.

Meanwhile, according to Allied Shipbroking, Greek owners bought a total of 221 secondhand vessels worth about $3.9bn last year.