About Carisbrooke Shipping
Our story
Founded in 1969, Carisbrooke Shipping has grown from a small Isle of Wight operator into a global shipping company trading general cargo and multi purpose tonnage in the European and Atlantic waters.
Privately owned and based in Cowes, we have always maintained a strong focus on safety, reliability and the development of our people – from deck cadets through to senior management. Our customers and ships are serviced from our offices in Cowes and Rotterdam.
Our journey
Six decades of maritime excellence
Carisbrooke Shipping established in Cowes, Isle of Wight, initially trading barges and small coasters supplying general cargo to the island.
The company grows its fleet with larger second hand tonnage vessels, expanding capacity and trading routes beyond the Isle of Wight.
The company lists on the public AIM in the UK and orders its first ship in the Netherlands in 1995. Many more newbuilds follow in the 90s, often in partnership with co investors. Following a management buyout the company delists from the AIM in 1999 and continues as a privately held company.
The fleet expands with several series of geared tonnage and enters into deep-sea trading, with multi-purpose vessels ranging up to 19,000 DWT operating on worldwide routes.
Carisbrooke launches the Green Ship Project, focusing on maximising cargo intake while reducing fuel consumption and emissions across the fleet.
A fleet of 20 vessels on the water worldwide with 7 ships on order for delivery 2026-2028. Fleet tonnage ranges from 5,000 to 15,000 DWT trading globally, with energy monitoring across the fleet and a continued commitment to sustainable operations.