Container ships are starting to hit the recycling beaches as operators trim their fleets of excess tonnage now that the box boom of the past two years is rapidly subsiding.

Three feeder-size vessels were sold last week, according to Singapore-based Star Asia Shipbroking, which said in its latest market report that more recycling deals are imminent.

“A large number of container ships have recently been proposed for sale, and the deals should be completed within the next week,” said Star Asia, adding that the latest prices will be reflected in the sales of similar units.