Jumbo Shipping and SAL Heavy Lift have commenced operations of their new joint venture that aims to create a “new powerhouse” in the heavy lift sector, serving offshore wind and other industries.
Jumbo-SAL-Alliance combines both companies’ fleets and all commercial activities, handling the complete marketing of 30 project cargo vessels with lifting capacities up to 3000 tonnes, marking it as the largest fleet in the 800+ tonne sector.
The joint venture was cleared by the German competition authority earlier this month.
Both SAL and Jumbo will continue as independent operators and vessel owners and both remain “active brands” in the market.
The companies said they believe the alliance “propels them to a greater level of geographical outreach and commercial capacity”.
To serve clients worldwide, the joint venture acts as the single commercial entry point for its joint sales network of offices and agents in more than countries.
Jumbo managing director Michael Kahn (pictured) said: “This joint venture is a big step for both of us.
“In the past few years, it became increasingly clear that the benefits of collaboration heavily outweigh the traditional way of doing business.
“Our client base and interests have changed and to remain an effective global player in our field of activity, you always need to adapt and innovate. Not only on a technical level, but also commercially.
“We believe that the flexibility and competences that our clients are looking for are best served by SAL’s and Jumbo’s combined assets and knowledge.”
Jens Baumgarten, SAL Heavy Lift chartering director, added: “This collaboration allows us to bring an unrivalled shipping product to market.
“It provides a solid answer to the needs of big contractors and EPCs as well as manufacturers and forwarders.”