Two Bergen-based shipping companies have joined forces with a new shipmanagement venture.

Jebsens (K Jebsens Rederi) and Seatrans have combined with 7 Mountains Maritime, with the aim of boosting Norwegian ship management services.

Jebsens chief executive Bjorn Jebsen and Gisle Rong of Seatrans Ship Management said in a joint statement: “We are in no doubt as to the potential for the new company in an industry facing increasing challenges from major shipmanagement companies based in Asia.