The move, going live this month, is aimed at generating more savings forshipowners.

Peter Cremers, managing director of Anglo-Eastern said: “We have a dutyto our clients to explore any partnerships which can deliver savings; these areparamount for our owners in these very tough markets”.

It will take the number of ships whose managers use Marcas to 1,700vessels, from a previous 1,200, and make the organisation the major buyinggroup for the maritime industry.