Vertom and UAL Deal Targets Heavier Role in Europe, Africa and Atlantic Breakbulk Trades

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Vertom B.V. and Universal Africa Lines B.V. said on June 11 they intend to combine operations in the Netherlands, a move that would link Vertom’s short sea fleet with UAL’s Africa, Caribbean and transatlantic liner network.

The planned combination would bring together more than 80 Vertom vessels with UAL’s multipurpose geared tonnage and shallow draft landing craft. The companies said the deal is aimed at expanding market access and improving services for breakbulk, container and project cargo customers.

Both companies would continue to operate under their own names and retain separate identities under the proposed structure. The transaction remains in a preparatory phase and is expected to close in the second half of 2026, subject to required procedures and approvals.

The companies said the combination would strengthen services across routes linking Europe, the Caribbean, the U.S. Gulf, South America, West Africa and East Africa.

UAL also brings intra-African services along the West Coast of Africa and a Caribbean shuttle service. That network is important for oil and gas logistics, project cargo and breakbulk shipments that often require vessels able to call at ports with limited infrastructure.

UAL’s geared multipurpose vessels are equipped with onboard cranes. Its gearless landing craft offer shallow draft capabilities, allowing cargo operations in ports where shore cranes, berth depth or terminal equipment may be constrained.

Vertom, headquartered in Rhoon, operates a fleet of more than 80 vessels ranging from 1,500 to 12,000 deadweight tonnes. The company provides shipping and trading, port agency, freight forwarding, maritime services, tanker chartering and liner services.

UAL, based in Capelle aan den IJssel, has focused on oil and gas logistics since 1973. The company handles breakbulk and container cargo across Atlantic trade lanes through its own offices and dedicated agents in Europe, Africa and the Americas.

Arjan de Jong, chief executive of Vertom, said the deal would create a stronger platform, particularly in liner services, while improving fleet deployment and broadening the companies’ service offering.

Roger Jungblut, chief executive of UAL, said the companies were aligned in services, markets and mindset, adding that their combined experience in complex logistics and challenging regions would support customers and partners.

For shippers, forwarders and project logistics providers, the proposed tie-up could offer a broader vessel and service base across several cargo corridors. The companies said they would explore cooperation across networks, services and customer bases.

The combination also reflects a wider push among specialist maritime operators to secure scale while preserving niche capabilities. For breakbulk and project cargo, vessel flexibility, local agency networks and access to smaller ports remain key commercial factors.

The companies did not disclose financial terms or ownership details. Completion is expected in the second half of 2026, pending approvals and final procedures.