November 11 - The flurry of consolidation in the shipping industry continues with news that Carisbrooke Shipping and Nova Marine Carriers are combining their commercial short sea bulk activities, with effect from January 1, 2017.
This follows the formation of a joint venture between the two companies, dubbed NC Ship Holding, in June.
The consolidation of both parties' short sea bulk shipping activities will see the combined chartering and operational services managed from Nova Marine's headquarters in Lugano, Switzerland.
Together, Carisbrooke and Nova Marine stated that they will control a fleet of 60 ships ranging from 5,000 to 15,000 dwt.
Robert Wester, chief operating officer of Carisbrooke, claimed that the partnership is an "extremely positive development" during a challenging time for the industry.
Since April this year, Carisbrooke's fleet of 17 multipurpose vessels - the 12,900 dwt and Vectis type ships - has been commercially managed by Zeaborn Chartering in Bremen, Germany.
Wester confirmed: "The role of Zeaborn doesn't change, instead of Carisbrooke interacting with Zeaborn this will now be the role of Nova Marine."
One of the Vectis-type ships commercially managed by Zeaborn.
