Samskip takes over Odiel's shortsea activities in Spain
Samskip, the Iceland-based company that acquired Geest North Sea Line in 2005, has established its own organisation in Spain, taking over all shortsea activities from its existing partner, Odiel Bilbao SA. The change will take effect on 1 October 2006 when staff will transfer from Odiel to the new company, Samskip Multimodal Containerlogistics SA.
The establishment of the new business reflects the group's ambitions to continue strengthening its position in the European 45ft container market, whereas Naviera del Odiel SA, the Madrid-based holding company of Odiel Bilbao SA, wishes to focus on its activities in other segments of the shipping industry.
Richard Beales, Corporate Sales Manager for Iberia, says:
"With the help of our partnership with Odiel Bilbao, we have made good headway in Spain and would like to thank everyone at Odiel for all their hard work in developing the business and promoting the Geest brand in the country¿s shortsea intermodal market."
Following the establishment of the new organisation, Pedro Medrano, former Managing Director of Odiel Bilbao SA, will join Samskip¿s new team in Bilbao. He says:
"The Spanish shortsea intermodal market offers a lot of opportunities and I look forward to further developing the group’s market share as a key member of the dedicated office."
Gerard de Groot, Geest's Commercial Director, comments: "Increasing volumes of cargo are originating in Spain and the Spanish market still relies on trailers to a great extent. Furthermore, with road haulage costs ever on the increase, Spanish manufacturers need other options for their shipments to the UK, Ireland, Benelux, Germany, Scandinavia, Baltic and Russia, so the provision of efficient shortsea alternatives is vital. Due to our ability to meet the needs of the market I believe the business has great potential for growth. "
