Samskip Buys Euro Container Line, Expands Presence in Norway
Image Courtesy: SamskipRotterdam-based transportation company Samskip has completed the acquisition of Norwegian shipping firm Euro Container Line (ECL) as it expands its presence in the Nordic area.
The company said that the ECL acquisition aims to strengthen Samskip’s position in the Norwegian market by enhancing the speed and frequency of services.
Total annual Norwegian Samskip volumes are expected to increase from the current 55,000 TEU to 90,000 TEU, increasing overall annual volumes from 850,000 TEU to 885,000 TEU.
Samskip also said that with this move the company would expand its refrigerated transport capacity, connecting with its cold stores in Ålesund and Rotterdam, which increases to around 275-300 reefer containers per week.
The acquisition of ECL in Norway is Samskip’s latest step to strengthen its position in Norway, as the company recently purchased a 50% stake in Bergen-based owner Silver Green, which operates a fleet of 14 reefer vessels.
Furthermore, Samskip said that it would now be calling 14 ports in total, and possibly additional ports on an inducement basis, where Holla, Ikornes, Maløy and Haugesund will be new additions to the Samskip network.
With a fixed twice-weekly sailing schedule ex-Rotterdam and two additional fixed sailings ex-Hamburg, Samskip will increase total frequency to 3-4 sailings per week into Norway, depending on seasonal demand.
