A 16-ship swoop has seen Star Bulk claim top spot among stock listed dry cargo owners in the US.

Petros Pappas-led Star Bulk announced the transaction on Friday in a deal that makes Augustea Atlantica and York Capital Management shareholders in the public company.

Fotis Giannakoulis of Morgan Stanley says the acquisition raises Star Bulk’s fleet capacity by around 24%, which at 10.1m