Swedish shipping company Wallenius SOL has acquired British Mann Lines. Through the acquisition, Wallenius SOL adds new offices in Estonia, Latvia, and the UK, while increasing its presence in Finland, Germany, and the Benelux.
Wallenius SOL has its base in the Bay of Bothnia. Mann Lines provides liner RoRo and container vessel services, logistics and forwarding. Goal of the acquisition is to achive growth and to support the development of a more sustainable and digitally driven shipping and logistics industry.
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Increased reach and enhanced efficiency
‘This acquisition, will among other things, result in a larger fleet and an expanded port network stretching from the Baltic countries to North West Europe,’ says Elvir Dzanic, CEO, Wallenius SOL.
With Mann Lines, the service range of Wallenius SOL extends to Ireland, Spain and beyond. In addition, the combination of the companies’ complementary routes is to enhance service capacity and regularity. Minimal customer overlap allows Wallenius SOL to add approximately 200 new clients to its existing base of business, states the company.
Fleet expansion
The collaboration is to increase Wallenius SOL’s ability to service customers with a state-of-the-art fleet. This includes the upcoming delivery of a new RoRo vessel, with a proven efficient design for hull and propulsion, aimed at reducing emissions.
Both companies will work closely to ensure a seamless transition for employees, customers, and partners. The brand of Mann Lines Logistics will be used to further expand the logistics services for the joint business.
Wallenius SOL
Wallenius SOL was established in 2019 when Wallenius Lines and the Swedish Orient Line formed a joint shipping company with the aim of strengthening the infrastructure at the Gulf of Bothnia and the Baltic Sea. In the 1960s, Wallenius developed the RoRo concept and is today the owner of some of the world’s largest RoRo networks, including 37.8 per cent in Wallenius Wilhelmsen ASA.
Wallenius also owns fifty per cent of the short sea shipping company United European Car Carrier (UECC), which is jointly owned with one of the world’s largest shipping companies, the Japanese NYK Line.
Picture: As part of the acquisition of Mann Lines, Wallenius SOL is expanding its line service with Turku, Paldiski, Cuxhaven, Bremerhaven and Harwich (picture by Wallenius SOL).
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