NILEDUTCH, the West Africa specialist container line, has announced the acquisition of the Europe to West Africa services and operations from Safmarine MPV, an independently run multi-purpose vessel business owned by Maersk Line.

The acquisition complements and expands the service offering of NileDutch to customers of containerised, oil & gas, project and conventional cargo to carry a mix of cargo on the same vessel under a single bill of lading.

"The extension of our service offering delivered by this transaction will enable NileDutch to enhance its operational competitiveness in global shipping.

With so many infrastructure projects underway in especially West Africa, this multipurpose offering gives NileDutch a real edge," said NileDutch chief operations officer Jan Willem de Braal.

Said Safmarine MPV managing director Jorg Knuttel: "For years Safmarine MPV has demonstrated that breakbulk and containers is a strong combination, hence this is a natural fit. NileDutch and Safmarine MPV are both West Africa specialists and I am happy that our operations will continue as part of NileDutch."

The operations of Safmarine MPVs Europe to West Africa services will continue as NileDutch MPV with the first sailing commencing in April.