Germany’s MINSHIP Shipmanagement and Auerbach Schifffahrt are merging their ship management activities.

The new venture will operate from 1 August with a combined fleet of 26 bulkers and multipurpose (MPP) vessels.

The company will implement a "two-brand, one team strategy" under the names Auerbach Marine and MINMARINE.

The deal builds on the existing links between the two companies.

Matthias Ruttmann, who is chief executive of parent company MST, is already a shareholder and board member of Auerbach Schifffahrt.