Rhenus takes major stake in Arkon Shipping & Projects

Germany-based short-sea shipping company Rhenus Maritime Services acquired 60 per cent of the shares in compatriot ship and project consignment manager, Arkon Shipping & Projects, in March 2021.

As explained, Rhenus is strengthening its project and heavy-lift cargo business by taking this holding in Arkon Shipping & Projects.

Rhenus Maritime Services will in future administer Arkon Shipping & Projects under the new operating name of RMS Projects together with the Co-Founder and Managing Director, Thomas Cord. He will continue to hold the remaining 40 per cent of the shares.

Rhenus Maritime Services has taken over its 60 per cent holding from the previous second Managing Director, Torsten Westphal.

The company’s headquarters will also be moved from Haren an der Ems to Hamburg in conjunction with the change of shareholder and the new RMS Projects name.

The new Managing Director alongside Thomas Cord will be Thomas Ullrich, Managing Director of Rhenus Maritime Services.

“Rhenus and Arkon Shipping & Projects have already worked together on some projects and we believe there is huge potential in further expanding this partnership in the field of project shipments and bulk charter services,” Ullrich commented.

“We’ll not only be operating for Rhenus in future, but will also act as a broker for a large number of customers and operate a central chartering desk in the project and heavy-lift segment,” Co-Managing Director Cord said.

RMS Projects will function as the commercial manager for a fleet of 20 multi-purpose heavy-lift cargo vessels, too.