Seatrade takes strategic stake in JR Shipping Group

Jan Reier Arends and Sander Schakelaar will both continue as shareholders of JR Shipping Group. Both will remain members of the Executive Board and will continue to lead JR Shipping Group in the years ahead. JR Shipping Group will continue to operate as an independent and autonomous organisation, with its own management, structure and identity.

Seatrade joins JR Shipping Group as a long-term, industry-driven investor, contributing extensive maritime expertise, a strong international network, investment capacity and access to global financing markets.

The partnership strengthens JR Shipping Group’s foundation and supports its long-term ambition to remain at the forefront of efficient and sustainable shipping solutions, particularly in container feeders, short sea dry cargo and offshore service vessels. The development, ordering and financing of next-generation vessels will be a key focus area within this cooperation.

Seatrade is an international shipping company with a global footprint and a leading position in specialised refrigerated shipping and logistics. The group operates a fleet of more than 70 highly specialised reefer and reefer-container vessels. Seatrade’s head office is located in Curaçao, supported by a worldwide network of offices delivering its “Fast, direct and dedicated” full-service concept.

“Seatrade has reached a development stage where it has become interesting to diversify and to invest in other shipping assets as well. The three segments JR Shipping Group is active in are all interesting to us. The offshore wind support vessel sector is a relatively new space for us but exciting. Short sea dry cargo vessels are not new for us. Seatrade once started in this segment and still holds some interests. So that is familiar ground for us. Perhaps the most thrilling part is the high-end feeder vessel market. It is complementary to our newbuilding portfolio of 1800 and 2800 TEU specialised reefer-container vessels, which are specifically meant for our refrigerated cargo transport.

In the months prior to entering into this new partnership, we came to value the strong organisation and the dedicated staff of JR Shipping Group. We speak the same language and share the same values. We are proud to have become a partner in JR Shipping Group, and as a shareholder, we will support the company to grow its fleet and range of activities.”

JR Shipping Group was founded in 1993 by Jan Reier Arends and has been jointly developed for over the last 25 years together with Sander Schakelaar. Over time, the group has grown into a diversified maritime group supporting a growing fleet of container feeders and short sea dry cargo vessels. In 2010, the group expanded its activities into the offshore sector through subsidiary SeaZip Offshore Service.

Over time, JR Shipping Group has also built a strong position as a provider of commercial and operational ship management services to third-party shipowners and investors. Today, the group holds management responsibility for more than 30 vessels.

The partnership with Seatrade marks the beginning of a new phase for JR Shipping Group. In the coming years, the group aims to further expand the fleet under its management and to develop new activities, with a strong emphasis on next-generation ECO vessel concepts.

Currently, two 8,500 dwt ECO dry cargo vessels are under construction at Chowgule Shipbuilding in India, with delivery scheduled for late 2027 and early 2028. In addition, JR Shipping Group has invested in the development of a range of ECO Flex Feeder designs in the 1,000–1,500 TEU segment for the European feeder market.

Following recent initiatives focused on fuel efficiency improvements, retrofits and CO₂ reduction technologies, the group now looks ahead to the construction of the next generation of cleaner and more efficient vessels.

“We are proud of what we have achieved over the past 25 years. At the same time, we recognised that the next phase of development would require additional strength and scale. Partnering with Seatrade significantly reinforces the core of our group and provides a solid perspective for the future.”

“This partnership creates new opportunities to realise our ambitions. Seatrade’s industry knowledge, access to shipbuilding markets and financing capabilities, as well as its investment strength, will add real value. Equally important is the strong alignment in vision, values and long-term objectives between our organisations.”

JR Shipping Group would like to thank Zuyderzee Capital for its dedicated involvement and professional support as M&A advisor throughout this acquisition process. In addition, they extend their appreciation to all stakeholders and other service providers for their constructive cooperation and commitment in establishing this partnership. They look forward to a long-term collaboration with Seatrade, combining experience, entrepreneurship and innovation to shape a sustainable future for short sea shipping. Moving forwards together!