“K” Line To Become Sole SAL Shareholder
With effect from 30 June 2011, the Japanese shipping company ” K” Line Group (Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd.) will acquire another 50% of the SAL Group and with that will become the sole shareholder of the company. After more than 40 years in shipping, SAL founders Hans and Claus Heinrich have decided to retire from daily operations but will continue to support the new owner as advisors to the board.
After acquiring 100% ownership of SAL, “K” Line expects to keep the trading name of SAL, location of head office and employment of all current staff – according to a statement by “K” Line. Especially “K” Line would like current staff to continuously play an important role in SAL. Mr Lars Rolner, who is one of the existing partners, will remain as CEO after the sale of his share, working in close collaboration with the two current Japanese managing directors Shigehisa Shimazu and Toshio Yamazaki.
Portfolio Strengthening
“K” Line has a strong commitment to further expand the activities of SAL. In December 2010 and March 2011 SAL introduced the heavy-lift vessels Svenja and Lone. Both have a lifting capacity of 2000t SWL, a speed of 20 knots and a Dynamic Positioning System 1 resp. 2. These vessels are just as suited to service demanding offshore projects within the oil and gas industry as they are to assist in the installation of foundations for offshore wind parks. “K” Line is planning to strengthen its portfolio by further expanding this business area. With the addition of the heavy lift segment to its container, bulk, tanker/LNG, and offshore transportation services, “K” Line will be offering a one-stop shop for a wide array of industrial clients.
New Synergy
By further building up in this field, “K” Line will create a new synergy with the offshore support vessel and drill ship business department. Acquiring a 100% share of SAL Group was considered a favourable opportunity for the build-up of a heavy lifter business, which, by taking advantage of the company’s extensive worldwide network, will result in a synergy that is in line with “K” Line’s corporate policy to increase the ratio of its non-container business sector.