Navi Merchants Names Rasmus Saltofte as CEO
Danish shipowner and freight trader Navi Merchants has appointed Rasmus Saltofte as its new chief executive officer. Saltofte brings nearly two decades of experience from Norden, where he led the dry cargo business. His new role positions him at the helm of Navi Merchants, a subsidiary of Copenhagen Merchants Group, which specializes in dry bulk freight across various global markets.
Leadership Transition and Company Overview
Rasmus Saltofte’s appointment marks a significant leadership transition for Navi Merchants. With almost 20 years of experience at Norden, he is well-prepared to drive growth and innovation within the company. At Norden, Saltofte was instrumental in managing the dry cargo segment, gaining valuable insights into the complexities of dry bulk shipping.
Navi Merchants operates as a wholly owned subsidiary of Copenhagen Merchants Group (COPMER). The company has established itself as a key player in the dry bulk freight industry, with a trading presence that extends to the Baltic, Mediterranean, the United States, and Southeast Asia. Navi Merchants is known for its robust freight trading operations, fixing approximately 800 vessels annually through its dedicated freight trading desk.
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In addition to its extensive chartering activities, Navi Merchants maintains a small yet expanding fleet of coaster and handysize vessels. Currently, the company manages around 10 vessels, with sizes ranging from 3,500 deadweight tons (dwt) to 30,000 dwt. Furthermore, Navi Merchants is a co-owner of a vessel pool that includes over 30 ships, encompassing handy to ultramax segments. The company is poised for fleet expansion, with the first of six new 7,500 dwt multipurpose vessels expected to be delivered in early summer 2026.
