Robert Kuok-controlled Pacific Carriers has sold an eight-year-old handymax for $8.7m. The Japanese built Ikan Sudip has been snapped up by one of Bangladesh’s largest industrial conglomerates, Akij Group. Comments Clarkson Research: “The level achieved falls in line with the last sale of the 2005-built Mitsui 56 design Santa Elena which was sold at a price in the region of $7m earlier this month.”
Akij was established in the 1940s initially as a jute trader. It has since diversified into more than 20 other verticals including tobacco, real estate and cement. The company has two shipping concerns, Akij Ocean Line and Akij Shipping Line.
