Dubai-based bulker company Tomini Shipping is selling its last kamsarmax and will exit the sector, according to brokers.
Meanwhile, the company has revealed two high-profile hires to lead newly formed Tomini Chartering, which is taking over the commercial management of its fleet from Alpina Chartering of Denmark.
Brokers reported that the 81,100-dwt Tomini Nobility (built 2020) has been sold to unidentified United Arab Emirates-based interests for between $28.5m and $29.95m.
The ship is one of two identical kamsarmaxes that Tomini had built at Taizhou Kouan Shipbuilding and later sold to China’s ICBC Financial Leasing with bareboat charters back.
The second kamsarmax, the Tomini Royalty (built 2021), was sold by ICBC to Holger Navigation of Greece this year.
VesselsValue indicates that Tomini bought the lease of Tomini Nobility from ICBC in July 2023, thus taking back full ownership of the vessel.
TradeWinds was unable to confirm the reports of the Tomini Nobility’s sale as the company does not comment on market reports.
Once the Tomini Nobility is handed over to its new owners, Tomini’s fleet will comprise 22 bulkers — nine handysizes, 10 ultramaxes and three capesizes — and an aframax tanker.
New hires
Tomini recently launched its own chartering division to take over the commercial management of Alpina Chartering, a Danish company that has commercially managed Tomini’s ships for more than 40 years.
This strategic relationship ended in August when Tomini announced it would take the commercial management of its ships in-house, with the transition period set to take a year.
The decision pulled the rug out from Alpina, which, apart from Tomini’s vessels, only managed one other bulker.
Tomini announced on Tuesday that it has recruited Claus Mygind Damkjaer as director of operations of its new Tomini Chartering commercial division.
Previously, Damkaer spent nearly seven years as its operations team leader at MUR Shipping.
Before that, he spent 28 years at J Lauritzen where for the last 19 years he was vice president and head of global operations.
Tomini said: “With an impressive 30+ years in the shipping industry, Claus brings a deep understanding of dry bulk operations, alongside a proven track record of leadership across various global operations.
“His vast experience, strategic insights and passion for operational excellence will play a key role as we continue to enhance our capabilities and grow as a company. We are excited about the contributions he will bring to our team.”
Tomini recently revealed that it had hired Thomas Stjernholm, Alpina’s former bulk chartering team leader, who has moved to Dubai to become managing director of Tomini Chartering.
“Having previously worked with Alpina Chartering, Thomas has a deep understanding of our fleet, which makes him the ideal fit for this role. His knowledge of market dynamics and operational logistics will be invaluable as we strive for commercial success,” Tomini said.
Tomini Shipping is part of the Shaikh family-controlled Tomini Group, which is also a large dealer of antique cars.
