First restructuring, then ship purchase: Dutch shipping company Vroon has bought a six-year-old livestock carrier.
Vroon has now confirmed the purchase of the “Aurochs” from the Japanese Tsuneishi Group “following a successful restructuring.”[ds_preview]
“Following the successful completion of the restructuring last year, the focus is now on strengthening, expanding and renewing our presence in the markets where we excel,” it said in a statement.
For this reason, the Vroon shipping company decided to buy a ship after a number of difficult years – including a large mountain of debt, the sale of the fleet and a change of CEO. “Aurochs” will be renamed “Friesian Express” and will become the 13th ship in Vroon’s Lifestock fleet. The freighter has just set off from Australia on its “maiden voyage” under the Vroon flag.
Vroon wants to take “further positive steps” with lenders
The shipping company did not provide an update on the restructuring. In the past, there was talk that the offshore fleet of 40 ships was to be sold after more than a dozen financiers and banks took over the majority of shares in the highly indebted company. Previous rescue attempts had failed. Vroon had also withdrawn from container shipping.
Shipping company CEO Martijn Schouten now said: “Together with our shareholders and lenders, we look forward to taking further positive steps in the coming period.”
In addition to the 13 lifestock carriers, the shipping company’s website currently lists 18 tankers, two offshore service vessels and 34 ERRV (Emergency Response and Rescue Vessel) units.
