Wilhelmsen and MPC Capital Join Forces to Acquire Hamburg-based Ship Manager Zeaborn

In a strategic move to expand and strengthen their market presence in the ship management arena, Wilhelmsen Ship Management ("Wilhelmsen") and MPC Capital have announced their acquisition of Zeaborn Ship Management ("Zeaborn"). This acquisition marks a significant milestone in the partnership between Wilhelmsen and MPC Capital, as well as their joint ventures Wilhelmsen Ahrenkiel Ship Management ("Wilhelmsen Ahrenkiel") and Barber Ship Management ("Barber"). With the integration of Zeaborn, the partners are set to create a leading competence center for third-party ship management in Hamburg.

The Acquisition of Zeaborn

Wilhelmsen Ship Management, a renowned provider of third-party ship management services, and Hamburg-based asset manager MPC Capital have made a strategic decision to acquire Zeaborn Ship Management. This move highlights their commitment to expanding their market presence and further enhancing their ship management capabilities. Zeaborn, with its fleet of approximately 100 vessels, including container ships, bulkers, tankers, and multi-purpose vessels, is a valuable addition to the joint technical management activities of Wilhelmsen and MPC Capital.

Strengthening the Competence Center in Hamburg

With the full integration of Zeaborn into the joint activities of Wilhelmsen and MPC Capital, the partners aim to establish a leading competence center for third-party ship management in Hamburg. This center will serve as a hub for managing a diverse and extensive fleet of vessels. The integration of Zeaborn will enable the partners to leverage their expertise and resources, further enhancing their capabilities in providing top-notch ship management services.

Continued Branding and Leadership

Following the integration of Zeaborn, the joint ship management activities of Wilhelmsen and MPC Capital will continue under the brand names of Wilhelmsen Ahrenkiel and Barber. The co-heading of these activities will be carried out by Managing Directors Dr. Michael Silies and Michael Brandhoff. Dr. Michael Silies, who has been with MPC Capital since 2003, has been heading Wilhelmsen Ahrenkiel since 2020. Michael Brandhoff, on the other hand, has been the Managing Director of Zeaborn since 2021.

Hamburg as a Ship Management Hub

The expanded joint ship management activities of Wilhelmsen and MPC Capital will be managed from Hamburg, further solidifying the city's position as a major ship management hub. With a combined fleet of more than 150 vessels under technical management, the partnership between these two established groups will actively drive market consolidation and contribute to the growth of Hamburg's maritime industry. The strong family ties of both Wilhelmsen and MPC Capital add a sense of stability and continuity to their operations, ensuring a reliable and trusted ship management service.

The Vision of Carl Schou, CEO and President of Wilhelmsen Ship Management

Carl Schou, the CEO and President of Wilhelmsen Ship Management, expresses his excitement about expanding the cooperation with MPC Capital through the acquisition of Zeaborn. He emphasizes that this acquisition is a strategic move to strengthen their market presence and enhance their ship management services. With the increased fleet size, Schou is confident that they can continue delivering the best ship management services to their existing and future customers. He also emphasizes the importance of a successful integration process that prioritizes the interests of their customers.

The acquisition of Zeaborn by Wilhelmsen Ship Management and MPC Capital marks a significant milestone in their partnership and ship management joint ventures. With the integration of Zeaborn, the partners are poised to establish a leading competence center for third-party ship management in Hamburg, further solidifying the city's position as a major hub in the maritime industry. The expanded joint ship management activities will be managed from Hamburg, leveraging the expertise and resources of both companies to provide top-notch services to their customers.

Wilhelmsen Ship Management and MPC Capital have acquired Hamburg-based ship manager Zeaborn, strengthening their ship management capabilities and establishing a leading competence center in Hamburg. The integration of Zeaborn into their joint activities will enhance their market presence and contribute to Hamburg's position as a major ship management hub. With a combined fleet of over 150 vessels, Wilhelmsen and MPC Capital are committed to delivering the best ship management services to their customers. This strategic acquisition marks a significant milestone in their partnership and underscores their dedication to market consolidation and growth.