A new heavylift company has been created in northern Europe following a tie-up between Rhenus Maritime Services (RMS) and Arkon Shipping & Projects (AKS).

Germany's Rhenus is buying a stake of 60% in its compatriot and forming RMS Projects to run a fleet of 20 multipurpose heavylift cargo vessels.

The new venture was announced days after a merger between Jumbo Shipping of the Netherlands and Germany’s SAL Heavy Lift created a fleet of 30 heavylift and breakbulk ships.