Spanish company Boluda Shipping has recently announced an agreement to acquire the Icelandic shipping company Samskip. This agreement is seen as an important step towards expanding the network of maritime services from Northern Europe to West Africa. Boluda has stated that this network will be the "most comprehensive" independent container shipping network in Europe.
Details of the Agreement and Its Scope
The agreement, which is set to be completed on January 1, will lead to the integration of 32 ships across 18 routes and will serve 28 countries. The two companies also have significant assets in the land sector, including 21 container terminals, five rail terminals, and 500 trucks for transportation. The annual cargo volume of this collection will reach approximately 750,000 TEU.
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Implications of the Acquisition and Future Outlook
Ignacio Boluda Ciballos, CEO of Boluda Shipping, stated in a press release that they see "significant potential to strengthen connections across Europe and with West Africa" while simultaneously focusing on efficiency, reliability, and customer service. This acquisition also expands the Boluda brand beyond its roots in Valencia.
Now that the Boluda family is celebrating 200 years of ownership, the company is recognized as the largest operator of tugboat and towage services in the world, serving over 230 ports globally. With a fleet of 850 tugboats, Boluda has significantly expanded over the past two years through organic growth and strategic acquisitions, including the purchase of companies like A.B. International in France and LBSH in Ukraine.
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