Oslo-listed mini-bulker owner Wilson is driving more consolidation in the European shortsea market with a deal to buy the fleet of Germany's Rhenus Maritime Services (RMS).

The deal will see six dry cargo carriers of between 1,800 dwt and 3,800 dwt join the Wilson fleet, plus another four to six bulkers on short fixed-term charters.

The ships have an average age of 17 years.