Carisbrooke Shipping, Nova Marine Carriers Join Forces

UK-based shipping company Carisbrooke Shipping Ltd and Swiss Nova Marine Carriers SA are planning to consolidate all of their commercial short sea bulk activities starting from January 1, 2017.

Under the agreement between the parties, the shortsea shipowners will join forces to provide services with a versatile fleet of around 60 vessels ranging from 5,000 dwt up to 15,000 dwt.

The coordination of all chartering and operation activities will be channeled from Nova Marine’s office in Lugano, Switzerland, and will include the control of both groups’ vessels and contracts.

“This is an extremely positive development during a challenging time for the industry,” Robert Wester, COO of Carisbrooke Shipping, said, adding that the parties’ aim is to be “an active participant in consolidation efforts in the short sea market.”

“Having Carisbrooke’s strength in North Europe and ours in South Europe, we are confident in bringing both commercial teams effectively together with an equitable cooperation,” Vincenzo Romeo, CEO of Nova Marine Carriers, added.

Carisbrooke Shipping controls a combination of 48 shortsea, MPP, and bulk carriers ranging from 5,000 dwt up to 13,400 dwt with an emphasis on UK-Continent/Mediterranean short sea market as their core business. The company is also involved in dry bulk trades within and between European, Trans-Atlantic, Americas and Far East markets.

Nova Marine Carriers is currently controlling a fleet of 50 vessels ranging from 5,000 dwt up to 57,000 dwt bulk carriers including the expanding fleet of cement pneumatic vessels. Nova’s core business is mainly on Baltic-North Europe/Mediterranean-Black Sea trades with 25/32,000 dwt grab fitted bulk carriers. The company is also active in PG/Indian Ocean markets and in the Americas.