Listed shipowners should play a better hand with US retail investors

Public shipowners should place more emphasis on US retail shareholders rather than simply focusing on large institutional investors, according to a respected finance figure.

Retail investors account for around 50% of shareholders in public shipping firms in the US capital markets but much more emphasis is placed on attracting big ticket investors.

Michael Kirk, managing director of RMK Capital, told Marine Money in London: “I think there needs to be a more concerted effort to get in front of retail investors and build a story."