15/01/2013
Two traditional shipowners have recently joined forces and founded a new pool for handy-size bulk carriers.
Piraeus based Ariston Navigation Corp. and Hamburg based Aug. Bolten group of companies, particularly its 100% subsidiary Lydia Mar Shipping Co. S.A., Piraeus, have invested in a series of new state-of-the-art, eco-optimised 36.000 tdw handy-size bulkers.
The design of this most advanced bulker – called the SeaStallion – is based on the Seahorse 35 type being in operation successfully since 2011.
As founding pool members Ariston and Lydia Mar, together with Aug. Bolten as commercial pool manager, will deliver eight identical sister vessels plus two very similar vessels on longtime charter into their newly established “Sea Stallion Pool”.
The first Ariston newbuilding to be named MV “Ardennes” is expected to come into service within the first half of October 2013. Seven more bulkers of the series will be delivered by Nanjing based CSC Jinling Shipyard by January 2015.
Bolten is further considering joining the pool with three more also eco-optimised newbuilding sister vessels of 38.000 tdw built by a Japanese shipyard.
The daily chartering and commercial management functions will be performed by the staff of Bolten, Hamburg, who have already gained profound expertise in the management of pools.
The owners of the companies and their experienced management are convinced that with this new generation of eco-optimised vessels they will have a market advantage and offer most efficient tonnage to their cargo customers.
The “Sea Stallion Pool” will be the starting point for a successful operation of handy-size bulkers focusing particularly on an economical and efficient operation as well as environmental friendliness.
Other owners of this or similar ship types will be invited to join the pool. According to medium-term objectives, Ariston and the Aug. Bolten Group will – together with selected partners – build up the pool fleet to a total of 25-30 vessels.