Rhenus PartnerShip announces expansion in Belgium

DORTMUND : Rhenus PartnerShip has announced the expansion of its services to Antwerp as part of its internationalisation strategy, and it will eventually operate independently in the Belgian market.

To facilitate this expansion, Rhenus is expanding its stake in DGA Shipping to 100 per cent.

DGA Shipping operates in the inland waterway shipping sector in Belgium and offers inland waterway shipping services right across the country and in the entire ARA region (Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Antwerp).

The company engages in various activities including chartering as well as shipping within and outside of its own cargo space. It utilises push boats and non-motorised barges to transport dry bulk commodities, general freight, and project cargoes. The company also ffers transportation services to all ports in the Rhine catchment region, all Rhine tributaries, and throughout Germany via partnerships with German firms.

DGA, which has its headquarters in the Port of Antwerp, follows a similar business strategy to Rhenus PartnerShip in Germany.

Rhenus held 45 per cent of the shares; this is now being increased to 100 per cent. HGK Shipping GmbH previously had a majority holding in the company.

Steffen Bauer, the CEO of HGK Shipping, said: “We’ve decided to sell our shares in DGA Shipping, as we generally intend to withdraw from shareholdings.

“We’ll be investing the sales revenue generated by this in the ongoing strategic development of the HGK Shipping Group, and particularly in new business units. We believe that the business is in good hands with Rhenus and we wish the company every success.”

Thomas Maassen, the Managing Director of Rhenus PartnerShip, stated: “Thanks to the 100 per cent shareholding, Rhenus PartnerShip is consolidating its position in the market place and we can support our customers in an even more flexible manner.

“The share acquisition will allow us to maximise our synergies, use resources more efficiently and offer our customers an even broader and better portfolio of services.”

In September 2023, the Rhenus Group obtained a 49.99 per cent shareholding in Rietlanden Terminals B.V. (Rietlanden), which operates two terminals located at the Port of Amsterdam.