Robert Kuok-controlled Pacific Carriers sold an eight-year-old handymax for US$8.7m. The Japanese built Ikan Sudip has been snapped up by one of Bangladesh's largest industrial conglomerates, Akij Group.

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.