Spain-based shipping group Boluda Shipping has agreed to acquire Samskip, including all its assets and operations, to expand its short-sea shipping network across Northern Europe and West Africa.
The transaction is expected to close on January 1, 2027, subject to regulatory approval and other closing conditions, according to a joint press release issued Wednesday by the companies.
Until the transaction closes, Samskip and Boluda will continue to operate independently and in accordance with the applicable requirements.
Following completion, the combined network will comprise 32 vessels operating 18 routes and connecting markets in 28 countries, supported by 21 maritime terminals, five rail terminals and more than 500 company-owned trucks.
It is expected to handle a total of 35,000 containers, representing annual logistics throughput of more than 750,000 TEUs.
“We have a clear vision: to lead European short sea shipping and make our network a competitive advantage for the businesses that place their trust in us,” Ignacio Boluda Ceballos, executive chairman of Boluda Shipping said.
Boluda will contribute its container shipping business, port logistics expertise and towage, while Samskip brings its Northern European network and multimodal expertise.
The acquisition builds on Boluda’s expansion in Northern Europe, where the company has maintained a presence for several years through Boluda Towage’s harbour towage operations and Boluda Shipping’s maritime transport and logistics activities. The inauguration of its new offices in Rotterdam last June highlighted the region’s importance for its international development.
For Samskip, headquartered in the Netherlands, Rotterdam is also a key hub for its operations. The experience of both organisations in the region will make Rotterdam a strategic location for the development and coordination of services across the combined network.
Ólafur Orri Ólafsson, chief executive officer of Samskip, will continue to play a key role going forward, contributing his experience while supporting Samskip’s teams throughout the integration under the new ownership.
The Samskip brand will remain an important part of the story of the combined business.
