Four of China’s biggest handysize bulker owners are teaming up in a new alliance. But the commercial workings and the size of the fleet of the China Handy Bulk Alliance (CHBA) have yet to take shape.

Shanghai shipping sources say an unveiling is set to be announced next week for the alliance.

The participants are said to be Sinotrans CSC subsidiary Shanghai Changhang Shipping (or Yangtze Navigation), the similar-sounding Shanghai Changhong Shipping and two companies based in Dalian, Jia Rong Shipping (also known as Dalian Tiger) and Maple Leaf Shipping.