SK Shipping has reportedly carried out the first capesize demolition deal of 2019, amid hopes that the scrapping market could pick up after a subdued start to the year.

The South Korean shipowner has sold the 150,000-dwt K Promise (built 1994), demolition market sources said.

The ship was sold "as is" in Beihai, China, for $423 per ldt, or $7.6m