The Amsterdam-based Spliethoff Group announced today it has acquired a majority interest in ForestWave, adding a seventh business unit to its large portfolio and expanding its fleet of commercially-operated vessels to 147. Effective September 30, the transaction at an undisclosed price creates a multi-purpose shipping giant.

On behalf of the Executive Board of Spliethoff Group, CFO Ingmar Bras and CCO Michael van den Heuvel emphasized the importance of this step: « After so many years of constructive and pleasant cooperation with ForestWave, formalizing this cooperation is a logical step. The takeover of ForestWave will provide synergy and enables us to offer our clients an even broader scope of logistic solutions. »

Fred Diepeveen, Managing Director of ForestWave, said, « This strategic alliance with the Spliethoff Group enables us to realize our full potential. We maintain our identity and independent operations, while we benefit from new opportunities. Together we will be able to serve our clients and colleagues even better. »

Spliethoff said that the acquisition builds on successful cooperation between members of the Spliethoff group, Spliethoff and Sevenstar Yacht Transport, with ForestWave in the sea transportation of mainly bulk cargoes and yachts, which will now be intensified under the umbrella of the Spliethoff Group.

Netherlands-based ForestWave, founded in 2003, operates 30 multi-purpose vessels, offering maritime and offshore logistics services across European waters and the Atlantic, with a focus on bulk, forest products, and offshore markets.

In addition to Spliethoff and Biglift, the Spliethoff Group consists of Sevenstar Yacht Transport, Transfennica, Wijnne Barends and Bore.

(Images of Forestwave and Spliethoff vessels)