ACM Shipping Group Plc : Trading Update

6 October 2011

ACM Shipping Group plc

(''ACM'' or the ''Group'')

Trading Update

ACM Shipping Group plc (AIM:ACMG), a leading international shipbroker, gives the following update ahead of its Interim Results for the six months ended 30 September 2011, which are expected to be announced on 29 November 2011.

The core tanker business remains on track, which is particularly positive given the global economic situation.  As a result, the Group continues to generate strong cash flow from its operations and maintains a strong balance sheet. 

However, the Board anticipates that the results for the current financial year ending 31 March 2012 will be significantly below expectations, due in part to a number of personnel departures within the sale & purchase team which will lead to a material reduction in trading for the full year for this part of the business. As a result, the Group will be making a one-off write-down of goodwill capitalised in relation to the acquisition of ACM Shipping Services Limited in 2007 (a non-cash item). However ACM's plans to restructure and recruit in this division are already underway and this, together with its global network, will enable ACM to maintain itself as a significant sale & purchase broker.

In addition, whilst the Group's dry cargo division continues to make good progress, growth has been slower than anticipated due to the effects of the global economic situation.  The Board is optimistic that this progress will continue although targets will take longer to attain than originally forecasted.

The Board believes that the medium and longer-term prospects for ACM remain strong and that the Group has the right structure in place to drive future growth internationally.  The Board expects to maintain ACM's progressive dividend policy. 

Johnny Plumbe, CEO of ACM, commented: "the Board is satisfied with the performance of the core tanker operations under current market conditions and is positive about the opportunity to rebuild the sale & purchase team on a global basis in parallel with ACM's other operating divisions.  We are confident that we can grow our market share."

- Ends -

For further information, please contact:

ACM Shipping Group plc
Johnny Plumbe, Chief Executive	Tel: [phone]
Ian Hartley, Finance Director	Tel: [phone]
[e-mail]	www.acmshippinggroup.com

Media enquiries:

Abchurch
Henry Harrison-Topham / Joanne Shears	Tel: [phone]
[e-mail]	www.abchurch-group.com

Notes to Editors

ACM is one of the world's principal shipbrokers, providing a full range of integrated ship broking services for the global market. It is widely recognised as a market leader in oil transportation.  The Group's key activities are spot freight brokerage, time charter and project brokerage, sale and purchase, new buildings, demolition and derivatives brokerage.  In June 2010, the Group expanded its offering into dry cargo through the acquisition of the business of Endeavour Shipbrokers Pty Limited and has also recently set up a new dry cargo venture in London.  This is in line with ACM's stated strategy to become an integrated global ship broking services provider.

Established in London in 1982, the Group has since expanded its international operations with offices based in London, Singapore, Dubai, India, Australia and China.  ACM employs over 155 brokers and support staff who provide clients with global experience and intimate local knowledge of the world's shipping centres.  The Group has a strong network of clients which include major oil producers, independent oil traders, ship-owners and operators.  The business has been profitable every year since it was founded.

ACM was admitted to AIM on 6 December 2006.  For more information on the Group please visit www.acmshippinggroup.com