Singapore manager Synergy Group has teamed up with Taiwanese owner Wisdom Marine Group on bulkers.
A new technical management joint venture called Wisdom Synergy Ship Management (WSSM) has been set up.
The “significant collaboration” heralds a new era in maritime operations for Wisdom’s dry bulk tonnage, the partners said.
Taipei-listed Wisdom was founded in 1999 by shipping magnate James Lan.
The move follows the shipowner’s decision last year to entrust Rajesh Unni’s Synergy with management responsibility for a portion of its fleet.
WSSM is headquartered in Singapore, and with key operational centres in Taiwan and India.
Lan said: “With WSSM, we embark on a transformative journey, leveraging Synergy’s expertise to enhance our fleet’s operational safety and efficiency, underscoring our commitment to sustainable practices and the well-being of our crew.”
Synergy founder and executive chairman Unni added that joining forces with Wisdom is “an honour”.
“This strategic partnership is built on a strong foundation of mutual respect and common goals. We are committed to making a meaningful impact in the industry,” he said.
Synergy has more than 25,000 seafarers on its books, with a fleet of more than 650 ships.
In November, low-profile London owner Unity Maritime took the first steps to fleet expansion through a crew management joint venture with the manager.
Unity, owned by Danny Ungar, is targeting up to 50 dry bulk carriers through new operation US Crewing Services in Varna, Bulgaria.
US Crewing Services, which is formed by subsidiary Unity Ship Management and Synergy, will focus on existing Unity Maritime and Synergy vessels initially.
Unity — rebranded from DAO Shipping in 2023 — owns 18 handysizes, supramaxes, ultramaxes and kamsarmaxes built between 2012 and 2019.
The company is part of investment outfit Unity Group, which also has extensive property interests.
In 2020, Synergy launched a joint venture with Danish owner and operator Norden covering its tanker fleet.
The 50:50 technical management operation is based in Copenhagen and is supported by a subsidiary in India.
