Just as sagging freight rates were shaking shipowners’ confidence in the sustainability of dry bulk asset values, a recent spurt of buying suggests that animal spirits are stirring in the sector again.

In a telling sign for renewed confidence amid Greek players, Athens-based shipowners have scooped up the final bulker quartet in the fleet of GriegMaas, a dissolved joint venture between Norway’s Grieg Maritime and private-equity firm Maas Capital.