A Spanish shipping group and a Dutch container company have signed an agreement under which Boluda Shipping will acquire Samskip, with both having existing operations in Ireland.
The acquisition will pave the way for Europe’s most comprehensive short-sea shipping network, connecting Northern Europe with the Iberian Peninsula, the Canary Islands, and West Africa.
The transaction between the firms is expected to close on 1 January 2027, though it is subject to approval by the relevant authorities in addition to the fulfillment of an agreed closing of conditions.
By bringing together the strengths, expertise, and best practices of both organizations, the integration aims to deliver more connections, greater capacity, and more efficient, reliable services for customers.
The agreement marks an important milestone for both companies, bringing together two family-owned businesses with long histories in transport and logistics, shared values, and complementary strengths.
For both organizations, the agreement represents an opportunity to build on their existing capabilities, expand the connections available to customers, and create a stronger platform for long-term growth.
Complementary strengths and a stronger network
Boluda and Samskip already have an established relationship through their joint services in Spain. This cooperation has helped the companies understand each other’s businesses and identify opportunities to combine their strengths.
Boluda brings a long maritime heritage, a strong position in towage, an established container shipping business, and extensive expertise in port logistics.
Samskip contributes its established position in Northern Europe, its multimodal expertise, its extensive customer relationships, and its knowledge of the markets it serves.
Together, their capabilities will support more comprehensive and efficient end-to-end logistics services, offering customers greater connectivity and access to more markets. The combined network will connect maritime, rail and road transport, with terminals playing a key role in coordinating the movement of goods across the logistics chain.
Combining sea and rail transport with road services for the collection and delivery of goods can also help reduce CO₂ emissions compared with road-only transport.
Following completion, the combined network is expected to comprise 32 vessels operating 18 routes and connecting markets in 28 countries. Its 21 maritime terminals will link these corridors and bring maritime and land transport services closer to major centres of production and consumption.
This network on land will be further strengthened by its 5 rail terminals and more than 500 company-owned trucks. The network is also expected to handle a total of 35,000 containers, representing annual logistics throughput of more than 750,000 TEUs.
Building on the multimodal model that has been central to its development over the past decade, Boluda Shipping intends to invest in the combined network, strengthening capacity, expanding connections, and laying the foundation for the next phase of growth for both companies and their customers.
Rotterdam and Northern Europe: Key to Future Growth
The acquisition builds on Boluda’s expansion in Northern Europe, where the Group has maintained a strong presence for several years through Boluda Towage’s harbour towage operations and Boluda Shipping’s maritime transport and logistics activities. The opening of its new offices in Rotterdam last June further reinforced this commitment and highlighted the region’s importance to the Group’s international development.
For Samskip, headquartered in the Netherlands, Rotterdam is also a key hub for its operations.
The experience of both organizations in the region, along with their combined capabilities, will make Rotterdam a strategic location for the development and coordination of services across the combined network.
Samskip’s brand, Icelandic origins, and established recognition in its markets will remain an important part of the story of the combined business. Ólafur Orri Ólafsson will stay on as CEO of Samskip and play a key role going forward, contributing his experience while supporting Samskip’s teams throughout the integration under the new ownership.
Looking ahead
The agreement is subject to approval by the relevant authorities and fulfillment of the agreed closing conditions. Until the transaction closes, Samskip and Boluda will continue to operate independently and in accordance with the applicable requirements.
The transaction is expected to close on 1 January 2027.
Until then, both companies will remain focused on their customers, service quality, and teams while preparing to combine their capabilities and develop a broader, more efficient, and more reliable network connecting Europe and West Africa.
