NileDutch, the West Africa specialist containerline, has announced the acquisition of the Europe to West Africa services and operations from Safmarine MPV, an independently run multipurpose vessel business owned by Maersk Line.
“The extension of our service offering delivered by this transaction will enable NileDutch to enhance its operational competiveness in global shipping. With so many infrastructure projects underway in especially West Africa, this multipurpose offering gives NileDutch a real edge and will allow us to seize more business opportunities in the fields of energy equipment, infrastructure, mining and agriculture. By bringing together the know-how of both teams, we will be even better positioned to provide premium services to our customers across all markets,” said NileDutch COO Jan Willem de Braal.
Jorg Knuttel, managing director of Safmarine MPV commented: “Following the divestment of Safmarine MPVs owned vessels in 2015, today’s agreement marks the complete divestment of Safmarine MPV, which was announced in the Maersk Group 2015 annual report. For years Safmarine MPV has demonstrated that breakbulk and containers is a strong combination, hence this acquisition is a natural fit. NileDutch and Safmarine MPV are both West Africa specialists with great heritage and strong focus on customer service and personal relationships. As a result, I am happy that our operations will continue as part of NileDutch.”
The operations of Safmarine MPVs Europe to West Africa services will continue as NileDutch MPV with the first sailing commencing in April.
