A new player is hitting the bulk-shipping scene in Greece, backed by family members of a major international construction group.

Soloi Inc has been formed as a ship-management company and is said to have bought the 76,000-dwt panamax bulker Kanaris (built 2002), which was sold last week by Safety Management Overseas (SMO) for a hefty $47.7m.

Johnny Kalimeris of Soloi confirms the formation of the company three or four months ago and its intention to get into the bulker business but would not comment on the reported purchase.

Kalimeris