What is a ship management company? What's the difference between it and shipowners and intermediary companies?

It is the owner or investor of the ship and the owner of the property. But not necessarily involved in the operation and management of ships.

Ship management company:

Is a company with professional management knowledge and related qualifications. Entrusted by the shipowner, manage the safety of the entrusted ship and collect management fees from the entrusting party.

Brokerage company (intermediary company):

Ships need to know the goods, and charterers need to find suitable ships to transport the goods. This is the broker who bridges the gap between shipowners and charterers and facilitates them to reach a charter party.