Briese Group and Auerbach Schiffahrt are to work more closely together in the multipurpose sector.

The German owners said they have agreed a strategic alliance to cooperate on project development and ship management.

Auerbach founder and joint managing director Lucius Bunk will become Briese chief operating officer (COO) from 1 September.

“For me, this alliance is the next obvious step,” said Briese founder Roelf Briese.

“We