Boluda to Acquire 100% of Samskip, Creating a Leading Short Sea Shipping Network
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Boluda Shipping signed an agreement in Reykjavik to acquire 100% of the Netherlands-based multimodal logistics company Samskip. The deal aims to combine the strengths of both family-owned companies to create Europe's leading short sea shipping network, offering more connections, greater capacity and more efficient services for customers.
Closing Expected in 2027
The transaction is expected to close on January 1, 2027, subject to approval from the relevant authorities and the fulfillment of the agreed closing conditions. Until that date, Boluda Shipping and Samskip will continue to operate independently.
A Network of 32 Vessels and 28 Countries
Once the deal closes, the combined network will comprise 32 vessels operating 18 routes and connecting markets in 28 countries, supported by 21 marine terminals, five rail terminals and more than 500 company-owned trucks. The network is expected to handle a total of 35,000 containers, with annual logistics volume exceeding 750,000 TEU.
Executives Weigh In
Ignacio Boluda Ceballos, CEO of Boluda Shipping, stated that the company has a clear vision to lead short sea shipping in Europe and turn its network into a competitive advantage for its customers, highlighting the potential to strengthen connections within Europe and with West Africa. Ólafur Orri Ólafsson, CEO of Samskip, noted that both companies are family-owned businesses with a long track record in transportation and shared values, which lends confidence to the opportunity created by combining their complementary strengths.
Rotterdam as a Strategic Hub
Boluda and Samskip were already cooperating through joint services in Spain, which allowed both companies to identify opportunities to combine their capabilities. Rotterdam, where Boluda opened new offices in June and where Samskip is headquartered, will become a strategic hub for coordinating the services of the combined network, which will link Northern Europe with the Iberian Peninsula, the Canary Islands and West Africa.
Samskip is also building two hydrogen-powered container ships for its SeaShuttle project, which will operate between Oslo and Rotterdam.
