Maritime Industry Briefing: Newbuilds, Fleet Acquisitions and Leadership Changes Shape the Week

## Maritime Industry Briefing ### Pavimar Returns to Newbuilding with Kamsarmax Programme Athens-based dry bulk owner Pavimar has re-entered the newbuilding market with a four-vessel kamsarmax programme placed at China's Hengli Heavy Industries, according to Splash247. The company, headed by Ismini Panagiotidi, has contracted the quartet for phased delivery through 2029. The order marks a notable return to the newbuild arena for Pavimar and reflects continued owner confidence in the kamsarmax segment, which remains a workhorse of global dry bulk trade. Pricing details were not disclosed by shipbroking sources. ### Alkagesta Makes Shipowning Debut via Turkish Bunker Fleet Malta-based commodities trader Alkagesta is crossing into shipowning for the first time through the acquisition of Turkish marine fuel supplier Energy Petrol, Splash247 reports. The deal, confirmed on 22 October by the Orkhan Rustamov-led company, hands Alkagesta an eight-vessel bunker fleet as it moves to strengthen its physical fuel distribution capabilities. The transaction underscores a broader trend of trading houses seeking vertical integration by taking direct control of bunkering and distribution assets, reducing reliance on third-party tonnage. ### Harbour-Link Orders Two Containerships at Malaysian Yard Sarawak-based Harbour-Link Group has announced a RM56.7m ($13.9m) investment in two new containerships ordered at domestic builder Sapor Shipbuilding Industries, according to Splash247. The vessels will be operated by Harbour-Link Lines, an 85%-owned subsidiary of the group, as part of an ongoing expansion of its regional shipping network. The order highlights continued momentum in intra-Asian short-sea trade and supports Malaysia's domestic shipbuilding sector. ### RINA Appoints Moretti as New Group CEO Italian classification and engineering group RINA has named Paolo Moretti as its new group chief executive, Splash247 reports. Moretti, a maritime industry veteran who previously served as general manager and head of RINA's marine and offshore division, takes the helm of the Genoa-headquartered organisation as it pursues its next phase of strategic expansion. The appointment signals RINA's intent to draw on deep sector expertise at the top level as the classification society navigates an increasingly complex regulatory and technological landscape across its global operations. --- *Sources: Splash247*