Norway's Hagland Shipping is set to boost its fleet of self-unloading bulkers with a vessel on charter from compatriot Falkeid Shipping.
Falkeid purchased the 4,600-dwt Falkfjord (built 1998) and converted it to a self-unloader for the charter contract with Hagland Shipping.
It is the second such deal for the two companies in less than a year.
In December, Haugesund-based Hagland Shipping took another self-unloader — the 4,900-dwt Falksea (built 2002) — on long-term charter from Finnoy-based Falkeid.
Expanding fleet
The new deal will mean Hagland Shipping's fleet will increase to 13 ships, of which six are owned and seven are on charter.
The company primarily operates in the North Sea and Baltic. Last year, it carried about 3.5 million tonnes.
According to managing director Arne W Aanensen, Hagland Shipping is a leading operator of self-unloading bulkers in northern Europe.
Established in 1983, the company is a part of the Hagland group, which has interests in shipbroking, agency services, real estate and finance.
The group has about 150 employees. Last year, it logged revenues of NOK 346m ($43m).
The group is owned by brothers and joint managing directors Arne and Knut Wendelbo Aanensen, representing a third generation of Aanensen family ownership.
