Navigator Holdings, an operator of liquefied gas carriers, agreed to merge with Ultragas, a gas tanker shipping company, in a $1.3bn deal. "We are delighted that the von Appen family, with its long history in global shipping, are entrusting their modern LPG fleet to Navigator. The combination will result in a LPG and petrochemical shipping company with unmatched scale and diversification. The Ultragas fleet will significantly strengthen our position in the handysized sector and provide our customers with greater flexibility in transporting smaller parcels in a cost-advantaged basis," David Butters, Navigator Chairman.