Rickmers Shipmanagement has secured a contract for the technical management of seven supramax bulk carriers, which trade in the spot market worldwide.

The ships will join Rickmers' managed fleet April 1, continuing the Hamburg-based company's diversification away from managing container carriers.

The company will provide crew and take over the responsibility for the vessels' compliance with the International Safety Management (ISM) and International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) codes.

"We constantly and flexibly supported the customer along the whole decision-making process, cooperating and providing information at any time. I am very pleased to add these bulk carriers to our fleet," said Holger Strack, head of the company's maritime assets business segment.

In mid-February, Rickmers' 50% joint venture Harper Petersen took over the exclusive chartering for 21 bulkers owned by ER Schiffahrt.