Rickmers-Line GmbH & Co. KG, a company of Bremen-based Zeaborn Group, has taken over business operations of Rickmers-Linie and MCC Marine as well as NPC Projects effective April 1, 2017. The takeover was announced on February 9 and received clearance from anti-trust authorities on March 7, said a release.

The change will have no impact on the former Rickmers-Linie workforce, routes and tonnage under long-term charter. All Rickmers-Linie offices remain in place as do NPC subsidiary offices. Rickmers-Linie GmbH & Co. KG will conduct business on behalf of the carrier company RZ Carrier GmbH & Co. KG.

Coinciding with the closing of the takeover, Zeaborn has acquired the Superflex Heavy MPC vessel mv RICKMERS HAMBURG from its previous owners. The vessel will operate for RZ Carrier under the brand of Rickmers-Linie and, after a docking in Asia, will rejoin the Round-The-World Pearl String Service of Rickmers-Linie at the end of May 2017. The parties have agreed not to disclose the purchase price.

The 30,000-dwt mv RICKMERS HAMBURG was built in 2002 and has since operated in the renowned Pearl String Liner Service. The vessel is equipped with four cranes, the two most powerful of which come with a lifting capacity of 320 tonnes each, combinable to 640 tonnes. Adjustable tween decks optimise stowage of units with varying height and dehumidifying devices in the holds make sure that moisture-sensitive cargo arrives in good shape.

The purchase of mv RICKMERS HAMBURG by Zeaborn is a clear commitment to the existing Rickmers-Linie service concept, the release stressed.