Safe Bulkers plans to keep scrubber installations this year as its top priority amid a shipping sector seeing further consolidation.

Star Bulk Carriers yesterday announced plans to buy Deplhin Shipping's 11 ships for $139.5m, after growing its fleet by 41 ships last year.

In early April, Genco Shipping & Trading's John Wobensmith told TradeWinds it will look for M&A opportunities to enlarge its fleet of 58 bulkers ranging from handysize to capesize.