Eitzen Group and Shoei Kisen Forge Strategic Partnership
Norway’s Eitzen Group has solidified its longstanding relationship with Japanese shipping interests by welcoming Shoei Kisen as a minority stakeholder in Eitzen Avanti. The Japanese shipping company has acquired a 4.7% equity stake through the issuance of new shares, marking a significant step in their collaboration. This strategic partnership aims to enhance both companies’ operational capabilities and foster long-term growth.
Shoei Kisen, part of the Imabari Shipbuilding Group and controlled by the Higaki family, operates a diverse fleet of over 100 vessels. This includes bulk carriers, container ships, LNG carriers, tankers, and car carriers. The partnership with Eitzen Avanti is expected to open new avenues for collaboration, particularly between the next generations of the Eitzen and Higaki families, who have a history of cooperation dating back to 1986.
Strengthening Fleet Operations and Market Presence
Eitzen Avanti oversees a range of shipping businesses, including Christiania Shipping, which specializes in chemical and gas carrier operations. The partnership with Shoei Kisen is anticipated to support ongoing fleet renewal efforts at Christiania Shipping. It will also facilitate closer strategic alignment, allowing both companies to share technical and commercial expertise. This collaboration is expected to create new business opportunities and vessel types, ultimately strengthening ties with charterers, especially in Japan.
Christiania Shipping operates a varied fleet of gas and chemical carriers through its subsidiaries: Christiania Chemical, Christiania Gas, and Christiania Energy. Following recent expansions, the company now controls approximately 50 vessels, including 29 chemical tankers and 18 LPG carriers, with three newbuildings currently on order. The company maintains a strong presence with offices in Oslo, Copenhagen, Rotterdam, Marbella, and Golfe-Juan, while remaining majority-owned by the Eitzen family.
A Legacy of Maritime Excellence
The Eitzen Group boasts a rich maritime heritage that dates back to 1883. The family’s relationship with Japanese shipowners and financiers has been a cornerstone of its operations for decades. The investment from Shoei Kisen not only reinforces this legacy but also positions both companies for future growth in an increasingly competitive shipping industry. As they embark on this new chapter together, the partnership is poised to enhance their market presence and operational efficiency, ensuring they remain key players in the global maritime sector.
