Carisbrooke Fleet Adds 8 General Cargo Ships

Carisbrooke Shipping has added eight 8,000 dwt general cargo vessels to its commercially-managed fleet.

The vessels, TIP Oslo, TIP Copenhagen, TIP Helsinki, TIP Bremen, TIP Stockholm, TIP Leer, TIP Emden and Cremona, vessels were built between 2003 and 2005, with the TIP fleet offering ICE Class 1A flexibility, and mix of both single and tween-deck, geared and gearless vessels.

The vessels were developed in partnership with German and Norwegian owners, and according to Carisbrooke Shipping chartering director James McConachie, the acquisitions are part of a drive to both add value, and consolidate a fragmented market.

“All of these vessels involve a strong cooperation element, and in this regard, we are absolutely delighted to be an integral part of both Liberty One and Solmunde & Partners’ plans for the future, and believe our shared views of excellence in ship management, aligned with quality, modern tonnage provision and a mutual understanding based on cooperation, integrity, humility and professionalism, will result in an exceptional end product,” McConachie said.

“It is no secret that both bulk & MPP shipping sectors continue to face challenging markets,” McConachie continued. “Our segments have, if anything, become even more fragmented in recent years, and a degree of strategic tonnage consolidation is very much welcomed to maintain freight discipline, and to ensure successful and sustainable trading models.”

“Every market cycle has its own trials and tribulations, and this one is certainly no different. Yet they also harbor opportunities for those who are patient, passionate and remain flexible to new trading patterns,” McConachie said. “We at Carisbrooke Shipping do see a sustainable future for quality shipping within our sectors and are proud, through these partnerships, to reassert our commitment to the short-sea, geared mini-bulk and MPP markets. These additional vessels fit extremely well both within our existing fleet portfolio and trading models, yet at the same time will further enhance the overall service we offer to all our customers, both on the cargo and ownership sides.”

With the recent vessel additions, the Carisbrooke Shipping fleet now exceeds 60 vessels, ranging from 5,000 to 19,000 dwt, with 31 of those vessels in the 6,800 to 8,500 dwt size bracket.