Cypriot owner and manager Marlow Navigation has teamed up with Netherlands-based Clearwater Ship Management to expand its tanker operations.
Marlow, better know for containerships and bulkers, said the new partnership provides both companies with the ability to leverage additional expertise and resources to provide clients with highly specialised solutions.
The two sides have previously worked together before this formal alliance.
Frans Roelse, Marlow's managing director for the Netherlands, said: "We are extremely pleased to strengthen our work with Clearwater, bringing across a dedicated pool of experienced and certified tanker crew members, as well as qualified technical and quality teams."
Win-win for companies
Clearwater has been a specialist in tanker management since 1995. The company's primary focus is on worldwide and shortsea trades, as well as vetting operations.
Clarksons lists the company as owning six small coastal tankers. Marlow controls a small product carrier of its own, but the size of the managed fleet is not known.
Clearwater general manager Wessel van Leeuwen said: "We will offer our service and expertise to Marlow and their clients. At the same time, we will gain access to Marlow's worldwide network of manning agencies and other service providing entities.
"We are convinced that this extended cooperation will be for the benefit of both companies and, in the end, our clients," he said.
Dutch operator moving in
Clearwater is moving into Marlow's premises in Rhoon, Netherlands.
In February, Clearwater took the 3,400-dwt Coralwater (built 1998) back under management.
"This 22-year-old lady has a large experience in bunkering, it would be a shame not to use this great advantage for a time charter," the company said at the time.
Marlow has been contacted for further information.
The Cypriot company has 1,000 shore-based staff and 14,000 crew on managed vessels.
In July, Marlow beefed up its offshore vessel operations with a deal to buy Germany's Opielok Offshore Carriers.
Opielok is listed with four platform supply vessels built between 2008 and 2012, a fleet which VesselsValue assesses as being worth $19m.
Marlow has 24 ships worth $359m, excluding two anchor-handling tug supply (AHTS) units, according to VesselsValue.
