Germany's Zeaborn group and Intermarine of the US are forming a new MPP and heavy-lift giant with a near-term target of more than 100 ships.

Intermarine parent Maritime Holdings Delaware said the project, breakbulk and heavylift cargo company had entered into a joint venture agreement with Zeaborn to establish Zeamarine, with an initial fleet of more than 75 vessels.

It will include assets from Zeaborn-owned Rickmers Line and will be the third-largest player in the sector, just behind Cosco and BBC Chartering.