Forget the traditional sectors, shipping investments today should be in more niche territories. That's the view of one Italian investor in shipping, Fabrizio Vettosi, the managing director of 2009-founded Venice Shipping and Logistics (VSL).

"I suggest to stay out from traditional segments," says the veteran shipping investor, maintaining that tankers are close to peaking, while dry bulk will remain in the doldrums for the next three to four years. Vettosi reckons that Ropaxes, chemical carriers and LPG carriers are more exciting investment opportunities.

Vettosi expects to see more mergers in sectors where there are opportunities to leverage economies of scale, such as in container shipping and ropaxes.