TBS International plc, formerly TBS International Limited, is an ocean transportation services company that offers worldwide shipping solutions to a diverse client base of industrial shippers. The Company offers liner, parcel and bulk services and vessel chartering supported by a fleet of multi-purpose tweendeckers, and handysize and handymax bulk carriers. The Company has developed its business model around trade routes between Latin America and Japan, South Korea and China, as well as ports in North America, Africa, the Caribbean, and the Middle East. In addition to providing frequent, regularly scheduled voyages within its shipping network, the Company offers additional services, such as cargo scheduling, loading and discharge that offer an integrated shipping solution to its customers. As of December 31, 2008, its controlled fleet totaled 47 vessels, including 45 ships that the Company owned and two that it charters-in with an option to purchase.