UNIATLANTICO, the prominent Hamburg-based shipping company, has taken a significant step in strengthening its maritime presence by acquiring a majority stake in the EMS-Fehn-Group’s maritime division. This strategic acquisition includes the shipping companies EMS Chartering, Fehn Ship Management, and Northwest Competence, all known for their robust services in shipping, chartering, ship management, and crewing.
The integration will see the combined shortsea shipping and chartering operations headquartered in Leer, operating under the established EMS Chartering brand. This consolidation means the EMS Chartering team will join forces with UNIATLANTICO’s shortsea experts, creating a unified entity that will market the merged coaster fleets of both companies. The new unit will also maintain offices and teams in Hamburg and Bremen, ensuring broad geographical coverage.
“We are very pleased to have this expanded team of seasoned and acclaimed shipping professionals on board, who have enjoyed a high reputation in the market for decades,” stated Andreas Bergmann, CEO and founding partner of UNIATLANTICO. Echoing this sentiment, Heiko Luikenga, the main shareholder of EMS-Fehn-Group, highlighted their commitment to customer-oriented solutions. “Together, they will be able to achieve even more for our clients,” he added.
The leadership of EMS Chartering will remain under the capable direction of Managing Director Agnieszka Acar, who has been in the role since July 2023. Acar expressed her enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, “I am very much looking forward to working with my old and new colleagues to further improve our services and to continue developing individual solutions that precisely meet our customers’ requirements.” The consolidation of fleets is expected to boost flexibility and capitalize on collective expertise and resources.
The expanded EMS Chartering fleet will consist of nine modern and efficient general cargo coaster vessels, ranging from 2,600 to 5,000 DWAT, designed to safely transport bulk, breakbulk, and project cargo. Many of these vessels are equipped to access river and sea ports with tidal restrictions, enhancing the operational versatility of the fleet.
This strategic acquisition also encompasses Fehn Ship Management, which handles technical management for both owned and third-party vessels, and Northwest Competence, a manning agency. The inclusion of Baltic Transocean Shipping & Crewing, based in Riga, further broadens UNIATLANTICO’s capabilities in comprehensive shipping services.
Reflecting on the company’s growth, Bergmann noted, “We became ship owners in 2016 when we acquired our first fully-owned vessel, but so far we have mainly been focusing on a strong commercial operation.” He elaborated that this acquisition marks the realization of their vision to build in-house competence in all facets of commercial, technical, and crew management.
