Thompson adds handysize bulk carrier

FREMANTLE-based Thompson Shipping Lines has added a handysize bulk carrier to its fleet.

The subsidiary of Thompson Shipping Group has acquired the Japanese-built 35,947 DWT handysize bulk carrier to be renamed TSL Lusaha.

A media release from the group said the acquisition further strengthened the group’s presence in the global dry bulk market.

“This milestone positions Thompson Shipping Lines as the leading privately-owned dry bulk ship owner in Australia, reflecting the group’s disciplined approach to sustainable fleet growth, investment in quality assets, and focus on long-term value creation,” the release said.

No price or seller has been disclosed, but the move adds what the release said was another modern unit to the company’s controlled fleet as it continued to build scale in the dry bulk segment.

“The latest addition strengthens Thompson’s position in the handysize space, a sector that remains a workhorse for regional and niche trades.”

The Fremantle-based group traces its roots back to 1998, when founder Craig Thompson set up Sea Corporation (Seacorp) to handle ship agency and brokerage work tied to Western Australia’s bulk exports.

Since then, the business has expanded across the shipping value chain, covering vessel ownership and operations, ship agency, marine surveys and trade services through a network of subsidiaries.

Thompson Shipping Lines, launched in 2018, marked the group’s move into direct ship ownership, starting with the acquisition of the TSL Rosemary, a Japanese-built open-hatch bulker. Alongside TSL, the group also runs Triomphe Shipping, focused on freight services, and Seacorp, which remains active in agency and port-related work.