Ship recyclers remain ravenous for vessels as steel plate prices rise, but this hunger has yet to be matched by the willingness of shipowners to sell.

Demolition broker Ed McIlvaney said there has been an "increased surge" of interest from the waterfront, with many recyclers keen to secure whatever type or size of vessel becomes available to the market.

"Unfortunately, their eagerness has not yet been matched with a fresh input of tonnage, although a number of units reportedly from cash buyers' hands are undergoing negotiations but have not yet reached conclusion," he said.