A major operator of small LPG and chemical carriers is born following the merger between Epic Gas and Lauritzen Kosan.

BW Epic Kosan will control a fleet of 77 vessels that will range in size from 3,500 cbm to 12,000 cbm, including 53 owned ships. Some of them are capable of shipping ethylene.

The two companies said in a joint statement on Wednesday that the fleet – which will have a gross asset value of $900m – will have “significant commercial and technical...