Braemar Shipping Services believes it is in a unique position to target bank business after its takeover of NAVES Corporate Finance took it into the financial arena for the first time.

London-listed Braemar is also growing its dry cargo broking team and eyeing up the possibility of a move into bulker futures, executives say.

James Kidwell, chief executive of Braemar Shipping Services, noted the purchase of NAVES and the turnaround in its technical division were highlights of its first half report accounts announced this morning.