Boluda Shipping signs agreement to acquire Samskip

Boluda Shipping has signed an agreement to acquire Samskip, including all its assets and operations, in a transaction aimed at expanding the company’s position in European short-sea shipping and integrated logistics.

Announced on 28 October 2026 in Reykjavík, Iceland, the agreement would bring together the two companies’ maritime networks and multimodal transport capabilities, establishing connections between Northern Europe, the Iberian Peninsula, the Canary Islands and West Africa. The proposed combination builds on their existing cooperation in Spain and their complementary activities across European transport markets.

The transaction is expected to close on 1 January 2027, subject to regulatory approval and the fulfilment of agreed closing conditions. Until completion, Boluda Shipping and Samskip will continue operating independently. The financial terms of the agreement have not been disclosed.

Combined network to span Europe and West Africa

Following completion, the combined network is expected to comprise 32 vessels operating 18 routes across 28 countries. The companies anticipate that 21 maritime terminals will support these services, connecting maritime transport with inland distribution networks and major centres of production and consumption.

The proposed network would also include five rail terminals and more than 500 company-owned trucks, strengthening the integration of maritime, rail and road transport. According to the announcement, the combined operations are expected to handle approximately 35,000 containers, with annual logistics throughput exceeding 750,000 TEU.

Boluda Shipping contributes its established container shipping operations, maritime services and port logistics expertise, alongside the wider Boluda group’s activities in harbour towage. Samskip brings an extensive Northern European network, established multimodal operations and customer relationships across the markets it serves.

The companies intend to develop more comprehensive end-to-end transport services by coordinating their maritime connections with rail and road operations. The integration is also expected to support further investment in network capacity and transport connections.

Rotterdam positioned as a strategic hub

Rotterdam is expected to play an important role in the development of the combined network, reflecting the existing presence of both companies in Northern Europe.

Boluda has expanded its regional activities through harbour towage, maritime transport and logistics operations, while the opening of new offices in Rotterdam in June 2026 reinforced its commitment to the market. Samskip, headquartered in the Netherlands, also maintains Rotterdam as a key operational hub.

The companies intend to use their experience and infrastructure in the region to coordinate services across the proposed network, strengthening connections between Northern European markets and destinations further south.

Ignacio Boluda Ceballos, Executive Chairman of Boluda Shipping, said the agreement would provide additional scale and opportunities to strengthen connections across Europe and with West Africa.

“We have a clear vision: to lead European short sea shipping and make our network a competitive advantage for the businesses that place their trust in us,” he said.

Ólafur Orri Ólafsson, CEO of Samskip, highlighted the companies’ shared long-term approach and the potential to expand their services by combining complementary capabilities.

The announcement also confirms that Samskip’s brand, Icelandic origins and established market identity will remain important to the combined business. Ólafsson is expected to continue playing a key role during the integration process under the new ownership.

Integration remains subject to approval

The proposed acquisition represents a significant step in Boluda Shipping’s strategy to expand its maritime and logistics operations across Europe and neighbouring regions. By combining the two networks, the company aims to strengthen its short-sea shipping services and provide customers with a broader range of multimodal transport options.

The companies also identify opportunities to combine maritime and rail services with road transport for first- and last-mile deliveries, potentially reducing emissions compared with road-only movements where suitable modal alternatives are available.

However, the operational integration has not yet begun. The transaction remains subject to approval by the relevant authorities and other closing conditions, with completion currently scheduled for 1 January 2027.

Until then, both companies will continue to operate independently while preparing for the proposed combination of their networks and activities.