The Japanese shipping group NYK, active in the container, bulker, carrier, cruise, MPP and tanker segments, among others, is restructuring its bulk carrier business and establishing a new shipping division.
Three shipping and ship management companies within the NYK Group will merge as part of a strategic business integration.
The companies in question are Asahi Shipping, Hachiuma Steamship and Mitsubishi Ore. They are to be operated under one roof from the beginning of 2026. Bulkship Partners has been announced as the “provisional” name. Who will lead the company is yet to be announced, according to the statement.
“As NYK Group companies, each of the three companies to be integrated has developed its business by leveraging its unique strengths within its specialized business area. Through this merger, we aim to further enhance our competitiveness in ship management and ship ownership and operation by consolidating similar business functions and strengthening joint ship management capabilities,” said the Japanese company’s rationale for the merger.
The new company will operate a fleet of 22 owned vessels and a total of 91 managed vessels.
For all three companies to be merged, shipping, ship leasing and ship management are specified as “business areas”. Asahi Shipping was founded in 1946. Hachiuma Steamship is even older, having been founded in early 1925. Mitsubishi Ore Transport was founded in 1959.
