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Boluda Shipping signs agreement to acquire Samskip and jointly build Europe’s leading short-sea network

Boluda Shipping and Samskip have signed an agreement under which Boluda Shipping will acquire Samskip.

The acquisition will pave the way for Europe’s most comprehensive short-sea shipping network, connecting Northern Europe with the Iberian Peninsula, the Canary Islands and West Africa.
By bringing together the strengths, expertise and best practices of both organisations, the integration aims to deliver more connections, greater capacity and more efficient, reliable services for customers.

The transaction is expected to close on 1 January 2027, subject to approval by the relevant authorities and fulfilment of the agreed closing conditions.

Ignacio Boluda Ceballos, executive chairman of Boluda Shipping, said: “We have a clear vision: to lead European short sea shipping and make our network a competitive advantage for the businesses that place their trust in us. Bringing Samskip’s network and expertise together with our maritime and logistics capabilities gives us the scale and opportunities to take that ambition further. We see significant potential to strengthen connections across Europe and with West Africa, while continuing to focus on efficiency, reliability and service for our customers.”

Ólafur Orri Ólafsson, CEO of Samskip, said: “Samskip and Boluda are two family-owned companies with a long track record in transport, shared values and a long-term vision. That common ground gives us confidence in the opportunity ahead. By bringing our complementary strengths together, we can expand what we offer our customers while building on the expertise, commitment and service they rely on every day.”Following completion, the combined network is expected to comprise of 32 vessels operating 18 routes and connecting markets in 28 countries