The world’s largest shipbroker has just seen its two London listed rivals, Braemar and ACM, merge to create what is arguably the second biggest company in the business.

Andi Case, Clarksons chief executive, wrote in its first half report today: “The increasing importance of equipping the best brokers with the best tools for trade, including research, analysis and technology needed to consult with our clients on their strategy and execute their instructions globally, has begun to impact the competitive landscape, where a number of smaller companies are becoming increasingly challenged, losing their ability to compete.”

Case’s