Danish shipowner J Lauritzen has split its bulker and LPG carrier operations into two stand-alone operations as it shakes up its management.

The company said on Wednesday that Lauritzen Bulkers and Lauritzen Kosan are now legally distinct entities, giving each the flexibility to develop their businesses.

The move has been months in the planning.

The change was formulated with the aim of allowing Lauritzen Kosan to pursue consolidation in the small gas carrier industry and moving Lauritzen Bulkers further down the path of an asset-light model in the handysize...