Two German groups are teaming up in the cement carrier sector.
Baltrader of Hamburg and Philadelphia-based United Bulk Carriers (UBC), part of the Hartmann Group, are unifying their pneumatic ship fleets to market them under the Cement Carrier Alliance (CCA).
"The aim of the new cooperation is to offer a wider range of vessel sizes to existing and new customers while enhancing marketing to current and developing markets," the companies said.
The combined operation will have 15 specialised, modern, self-discharging units of between 3,000 dwt and 15,000 dwt.
“As two independent partners motivated by the same objectives, we have teamed up for the marketing of our respective cement carrier fleets,” CCA said in a statement.
Baltrader and UBC remain independent entities each operating out of their own offices.
The German company is associated with the Brise Hamburg Group and has 10 vessels.
In April, it ordered two eco-cement carriers in China.
Fujian Southeast Shipbuilding will deliver the ships from the end of 2020.
The units will be optimised for the European shortsea trade, Baltrader said.
The CemCoaster and CemClipper will carry 4,650 tons of cargo and will be capable of running on gasoil or LNG.
UBC operates four different classes of bulk and pneumatic vessels.
