Bremen-based bulker alliance of BBG and Harren & Partner will manage a fleet of 23 bulk carriers.

“By joining forces, we can benefit from our shared expertise while continuing to diversify and strengthen our ship management portfolios. BBG will continue to run as an operational entity, and our clients and business partners will not notice any changes in our day-to-day business,” said BBG managing director Joachim Zeppenfeld.

Under the new venture the two German companies aim to expand their bulk shipping activities and grow their fleet.

“BBG and H&P see great potential in this field,” explained Peter Grönwoldt, managing director at Harren & Partner. “The goal is to continue our strong growth in this sector. Founding Harren Bulkers is just the first step – one that will lay the foundation for acquiring more ships and expanding our fleet.”

BBG has primarily operated bulk carriers since 2010. The company’s fleet includes Midi Supramax, ultramax, panamax, post-panamax and capesize bulkers.

Bremen-based Harren & Partner Shipping Group, a family-run business, is a diverse group of companies with strong brands: SAL Heavy Lift, SAL Engineering and Intermarine are three of the world’s leading companies in the maritime transport sector for heavy lift and project cargo. Combi Lift is specialised in multimodal door-to-door and turnkey concepts. Harren Tankers and Harren Bulkers are responsible for the commercial and technical support activities for the group’s tankers and bulkers. The fleet currently consists of 92 units – heavy lift carriers, bulkers, tankers, dock ships, container feeders, tugs, barges and offshore vessels.

Dr. Martin Harren, Managing Director of Harren & Partner. “Now that Harren & Partner has spent the last several years strengthening and expanding its position in the heavy lift and tanker segments, we want to continue this development with bulkers. We are convinced that founding Harren Bulkers will put both BBG and Harren & Partner in a very good position for the future.”

Source: Seatrade Maritime