A deal to merge John Fredriksen’s bulker companies, Knightsbridge Shipping and Golden Ocean Group, shows the enlarged outfit has a strategic and focused main shareholder, says chief executive Herman Billung.

The new Golden Ocean Group will have a fleet of 72 bulkers — half of which half are newbuildings — including 46 capesizes.

It is expected that the company will continue to be a consolidator in the bulker business.

Fredriksen