MOL Completes Acquisition of Gearbulk, Becoming World-Leading Dry Bulk Fleet

An open-hatch Gearbulk vessel. Photo courtesy of MOL. 

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (“MOL”) has announced the acquisition of 72% of the shares of its equity method affiliate, Gearbulk Holding AG (“Gearbulk”), making the company a consolidated subsidiary.

Gearbulk has a proven track record of growth through the transport of semi-finished products such as pulp. MOL has had a 34-year partnership with Gearbulk since its equity participation in 1991. With the consolidation, the MOL Group's fleet of dry bulk carriers will total 338 vessels, making it the world-leading dry bulk fleet. Gearbulk's open hatch fleet, the largest in the world, will account for about 60 of those vessels, roughly 20%, and is expected to grow as a distinctive business and give the MOL Group a competitive advantage.

MOL will develop a global sales network, responding to the global economy's changing supply chains and trade patterns, through Gearbulk's highly specialized operations and worldwide network. In addition, Gearbulk will further strengthen its services by creating synergies, such as the creation of new business opportunities and improving the efficiency of ship allocation. MOL also expects these efforts to contribute significantly to setting its services apart from those of its competitors, strengthening cost competitiveness, and expanding its customer network.

MOL will strive to accelerate profitable growth and sustainably enhance corporate value by mobilizing and strengthening the management resources of the entire group.