Bermuda-based TBS Shipping Ltd. said yesterday it had taken delivery of MV Alabama Belle (ex-MV Aliki).

The 41,808 deadweight tonne handymax bulk carrier now, which was built in 1986, brings the size of the TBS fleet to 34 vessels, including 19 multi-purpose ships and a combination of 15 handysize and handymax bulk carriers.

TBS chairman Joseph E. Royce said the delivery completed the company's three-vessel acquisition programme. He said the company had been experiencing strong demand in our core markets of Asia and Latin America, and the group aimed to continue to expand the fleet.