The tugboat shipping company Svitzer acquires a majority stake in the Norwegian company Buksér og Berging from Lysaker. Svitzer acquires 66.6% of the shares.
Both companies emphasize that Buksér og Berging will continue to operate independently on the market. The brand, management, values and strategy will remain unchanged. CEO Vetle J. Sverdrup will retain 33.4% of the shares and will continue to manage the company. The transaction is still subject to regulatory approval.
Buksér og Berging has a fleet of around 35 tugs, including a newly commissioned hybrid unit, 25 pilot boats, three ambulance vessels and a service vessel for salmon farming.
According to Svitzer, the aim of the investment is to bundle joint expertise in tug services, offshore operations and maritime services. The aim is to further develop expertise in ship design and operation, drive innovation and strengthen safety and service standards.
Svitzer CEO Kasper Nilaus described the cooperation as an opportunity to expand the market position of both companies in the tug and maritime infrastructure sector and to pursue the decarbonization goals of both companies.
Svitzer has recently pushed ahead with the modernization of its fleet: With the acquisition of the first all-electric tugboat from the Turkish Sanmar shipyard and the order for three newbuildings from Rio Maguari in Brazil, the company is strengthening its position in key markets. While the “ElectRA 2500SX” with a battery capacity of 1,808 kWh and 70 t bollard pull marks a further step towards decarbonization, the conventionally powered “Rampart 2300” units are intended to expand business in Brazil in particular, where Svitzer sees sustained growth potential in view of increasing port and terminal capacities. (jwy)
