Cash-strapped Japanese bulker owner Daiichi Chuo Kisen hasreduced its first-half loss, but remained firmly in the red.

The company said its net deficit to 30 September was JPY11.53bn ($117.34m), down from JPY 12.56bn in the same period of 2012.

Revenue climbed to JPY 80.88bn against JPY 71.64bn theyear before.

The second six months will be marginally profitable, itsaid, forecasting a full-year loss of JPY 11bn, compared to its previousprediction of JPY 12bn.

Its