February 5 - London-based shipbroking company, Trireme Maritime, has opened an office in Sao Paolo.

The company focuses on broking dry cargo vessels ranging from 2,000 to 35,000 dwt and specialises in heavy lift cargoes, having had experience with units up to 1,000 tonnes.

Managing director, Panagiotis Panos Patsadas, says that while a lot of bulk operators' representative or own offices are closing in South America, he feels that now is the right time to re-enter this market.

"We are doing that through a very lean operating scheme, low overheads and also by approaching the cargo owners directly."

www.trirememaritime.co.uk