Nasdaq-listed Greek dry bulk owner Icon Energy is expanding beyond its core business, having recently acquired a minority stake in a feeder containership that has secured a long-term charter.

The company has reportedly agreed to acquire an approximately 5% stake in a newly established entity. This entity will purchase a 2,000 TEU geared feeder containership built in 2008. The vessel will be chartered to an investment-grade liner operator at a fixed daily rate of **US$26,500** for a period of 24 to 26 months. The minimum contracted revenue over the full charter period is expected to be approximately US$19 million.

Icon Energy stated that the investment will be made using the company's own cash, with the transaction expected to close by the end of June following satisfaction of customary closing conditions. This move marks the first transaction disclosed by the company under what it describes as its "opportunistic co-investment strategy." The strategy is designed to complement its core dry bulk business, where the company currently operates a fleet of three vessels.

The company further noted that it does not intend to directly acquire and operate vessels in other shipping segments. Instead, it aims to make selective minority equity investments alongside experienced shipping partners. This allows the company to gain exposure to opportunities outside of dry bulk while maintaining its existing business focus.

The company added that any further investments would be passive and non-controlling in nature, with investment sizes managed to preserve financial flexibility.

This development follows closely on the heels of another dry bulk owner, Marshall Islands-headquartered Stella Bulk, which also entered the containership sector. Stella Bulk has already placed an order at Taizhou Fengye Shipbuilding for 2+2 units of 740 TEU containerships, with delivery expected in 2028.

Industry analysts note that as the global shipping market gradually recovers and demand for container transport in regional markets continues to be released, small and medium-sized containerships, with their flexibility and adaptability advantages, are set to become a key focus for shipping enterprise investment.