Sinochem Shipping's new pool with Odfjell is part of a commercial course it is plotting as it cuts ties with its state-owned parent and prepares for an initial public offering in Shanghai or Hong Kong, say officials of the chemical carrier owner.

Odfjell SE announced this week that it is establishing a pool to commercially manage all eight of Sinochem Shipping Singapore's 40,900-dwt newbuildings, the last of which is to be delivered next month from Hantong Wing Shipyard.