Joachim Zeppenfeld, as long-time managing director and previous minority shareholder of BBG, has taken over all shares from the previous main shareholder, the Offen Group.

Bremer Bereederungsgesellschaft (BBG) and Harren & Partner (H&P) are combining and expanding their expertise, fleets and networks in the bulker segment. The new "Harren Bulkers" brand provides the umbrella for these shared activities.

Bremer Bereederungsgesellschaft and Harren & Partner will manage a fleet of 23 bulk carriers. BBG Managing Director Joachim Zeppenfeld is thrilled about the new alliance: “Harren & Partner is a highly diversified family- owned business with a very strong presence in the bulkers segment as well as other markets – such as heavy lifters, tankers and container feeders. By joining forces, we can benefit from our shared expertise while continuing to diversify and strengthen our ship management portfolios. BBG will continue to run as an operational entity, and our clients and business partners will not notice any changes in our day-to-day business.”

The two companies aim to systematically expand and strengthen the bulker segment over the long term: “BBG and H&P see great potential in this field,” explained Peter Grönwoldt, Managing Director at Harren & Partner. “The goal is to continue our strong growth in this sector. Founding Harren Bulkers is just the first step – one that will lay the foundation for acquiring more ships and expanding our fleet.”

BBG’s roots date back to the year 1970, when the company was founded under the name “Frigomaris Shipping”. The organisation first became specialised in the management of container ships under the name “Ganymed Shipping” starting in 1987, but BBG has primarily operated bulk carriers since 2010. The company’s fleet includes Midi Supramax, Ultramax, Panamax, Post-Panamax and Caper bulkers.

“I am very proud and delighted that we were able to form this new alliance. This marks yet another milestone in the history of Harren & Partner. BBG is a very prestigious company with many years of history and experienced employees, as well as a strong international reputation for quality, trust and expertise in the bulker segment,” commented Dr. Martin Harren, Managing Director of Harren & Partner. “Now that Harren & Partner has spent the last several years strengthening and expanding its position in the heavy lift and tanker segments, we want to continue this development with bulkers. We are convinced that founding Harren Bulkers will put both BBG and Harren & Partner in a very good position for the future.”

Patrik Pukall, Head of Project Finance at H&P and General Manager at Harren Bulkers, thinks that the new Bremen-based bulker alliance is an interesting set-up for investors and ship owners: “Our professional ship management operations and effective finance team make us an especially attractive partner for investors. We have the group’s extensive resources at our disposal for everything we do. We will take a creative, transparent approach to every new project – and make it a success.”

For more information about Harren Bulkers, go to www.harren-bulkers.de