The acquisition is the latest milestone in the partnership between Wilhelmsen and MPC Capital and their ship management joint venture Wilhelmsen Ahrenkiel Ship Management and tanker specialist, Barber Ship Management, the companies said in a statement. Following the integration of Zeaborn, the combined activities will continue to operate under the Wilhelmsen Ahrenkiel and Barber brands, respectively.
Zeaborn, which has offices in Hamburg, Limassol, Singapore and Manila, manages a diverse fleet of about 100 ships and will represent a significant expansion of WSM’s business. They include bulk carriers, container ships, multipurpose vessels, and tanker.
The expanded joint ship management activities of WSM and MPC Capital, with a fleet of more than 150 ships under technical management, will continue to operate from Hamburg.
“The acquisition of Zeaborn is our strategic move to expand and strengthen our market presence in the ship management arena,” said Carl Schou, CEO and President of WSM.
“The transaction will increase our vessels in management to a size that we are confident that we can continue to deliver the best ship management services to our existing and future customers.”
MPC Capital CEO, Ulf Holländer, commented: “As a Hamburg-based company with an outstanding track record in shipping activities, we feel many overlaps in tradition and values with the Wilhelmsen group as our partner. As such, we are excited to grow our ship management platform. With the integration of Zeaborn's complementary client base and services we further strengthen our market position in the ship management business.”
The transaction is subject to approval by relevant competition authorities and is expected to close within the first quarter of 2024.
