Swedish shipping company Wallenius Sol AB has acquired UK firm Mann Lines of Harwich, a provider of liner ro-ro and container vessel services, logistics, and forwarding.
The strategic move by the Gothenburg (Göteborg)-based firm will enable the Gulf of Bothnia (Sweden-Finland) forestry products and other cargo handling transport operator to serve the Baltic Sea, North Sea, and North-West Europe to offer a broader range of solutions tailored to customer needs.
By combining strengths, this will achieve increased precision and adaptability, along with enhanced local expertise and presence in key markets.The acquisition reinforces Wallenius Sol’s platform for growth, supporting the development of a more sustainable and digitally driven shipping and logistics industry.
“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.
Among the strategic collaborations, it unlocks a range of benefits for both current and future customers.
As part of the acquisition of Mann Lines, Wallenius Sol is expanding its line service with Turku (Finland), Paldiski (Estonia), Cuxhaven, Bremerhaven (Germany), and Harwich.
In addition to offering a wider service network of connections with reliable partners in major hub ports, extending the service range to Ireland, Spain, and beyond.
Operator CLdN for their Dublin-Santander service chartered Tundraland from Wallenius Sol, as Afloat reported in 2023, and whose ro-ro was built by Aker Yards OY, Rauma, is the same Finnish shipyard that built ICG’s cruise ferry, Ulysses, for division Irish Ferries.
The Swedish company's fleet includes two more of the T class and twin Enabler vessels, the world’s largest ice-rated ConRo’s with multi-fuel operation along with the highest environmental credentials, which Afloat will have more to report.
The acquisition also sees new offices in Estonia, Latvia, and the UK, while increasing its presence in Finland, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg.
Both companies route networks will improve service capacity and regularity. Furthermore, minimal customer overlap allows Wallenius Sol to add approximately 200 new clients to its existing base of business.
This collaboration will also increase the ability of WS to service customers with a state-of-the-art fleet. This includes the upcoming delivery of a new ro-ro vessel with a proven efficient design for hull and propulsion aimed at reducing emissions.
Together, the 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.
Afloat hightlights Wallenius Sol (with a 50% holding of United European Car Carrier) was established in 2019 when the firm and the Swedish Orient Line formed a joint shipping company.
