Star Bulk Carriers and Oceanbulk have closed their merger transaction to create the largest listed dry bulk shipping company in the US.

Through the merger Star Bulk takes over a fleet of 15 bulk carriers and 26 newbuildings on order at yards in China and Japan.

Star Bulk will have 32 ships on the water and 37 newbuilds on order when the deal is closed, for a total fleet of 69 ships and 8.7m dwt.