Nova Marine Carriers snaps up modern Handysize in fleet renewal drive

According to shipping data platforms, the Italian-Swiss shipping group is now listed as the new owner of Sider Abidjan, a 37,979-dwt boxed Handysize bulk carrier built in 2020. Previously known as Nord Abidjan, the vessel was reportedly sold in late April for approximately US$26M, according to shipbroking sources.

At the same time, multiple shipbrokers reported this week that Nova Marine has sold 38,182-dwt Sider Olympia, built in 2013 for around US$15M. The company has not yet commented on either transaction.

Nova Marine Carriers oversees a fleet of more than 100 owned and managed vessels, primarily comprising bulk carriers and cement carriers.

Activity in the Handysize segment of the secondhand dry bulk sector has remained moderate in 2025, in line with the overall market trend. Allied Shipbroking reports that 79 Handysize bulk carriers, averaging 14 years in age, have changed hands this year – placing the segment third in terms of dry bulk sales, following Panamax/Kamsarmax and Supramax/Ultramax vessels.

New logistics joint venture

In April, Nova Marine Carriers announced the launch of NovaMar Logistic, a new logistics company formed in partnership with Marcegaglia, a leading player in the Italian and international steel industry.

NovaMar Logistic has assumed operational control of Sider Luck, a 26,300-dwt vessel deployed on European cabotage routes. The ship connects ports supplying raw materials with Marcegaglia’s industrial facilities in Ravenna, Fos-sur-Mer, and other locations.

Nova Marine Group chief executive Vincenzo Romeo described the new venture as a strategic consolidation of a long-standing partnership with the Marcegaglia Group.

Nova Marine Carriers also maintains a joint venture with Canada’s Algoma Central Corp, known as NovaAlgoma, which operates two fleets focused on cement transport and shortsea shipping.