Shipping Group Eyes Opportunities in Energy, Infrastructure
Harren Group has launched its first African office in Nigeria, as the Germany-based shipping and logistics specialist seeks to expand its operations and capitalize on West Africa's massive project potential.
The new base in Nigeria’s capital city Lagos will be headed by Paul Ejiro Okpurughre, former business development and operations director for the Middle East and Africa at Harren’s project cargo unit, SAL Heavy Lift.
Harren Nigeria, as the new office is known, will act as commercial agent for the group’s affiliated companies – Jumbo-SAL-Alliance, Intermarine, Combi Lift, Atheleon, Harren Tankers and Harren Bulkers.
“Lagos is the perfect location for us – it is a vibrant city and one of the main project and logistics capitals on the continent,” said Martin Harren, CEO of Harren Group. “The opening of the new office reflects our remarkably successful development in West Africa.”
Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy, accounts for 70 percent of cargo imported into West and Central Africa. Key gateways include Apapa and Tin Can Island in Lagos, and Onne in eastern Nigeria, a breakbulk hub serving regional oil and gas projects.
Hydrocarbons continue to dominate the project landscape, although several large-scale infrastructure initiatives such as the US$11 billion Lagos-Calabar coastal rail project and the Eko Atlantic Smart City project near Lagos are expected to provide breakbulk with a slew of new cargo-carrying opportunities.
With its wealth of untapped natural resources and rapid population growth, project potential throughout West Africa is huge.
Other major players in the region are also investing in new assets. France-based transport specialist Bolloré announced in October it had launched the second phase of the Aérohub project at Abidjan airport in Ivory Coast. The project is the largest logistics base in West Africa.
“Having our own office in Africa means a lot to our organisation,” said Jurgen Kuntz, head of Africa chartering desk at SAL Heavy Lift.
“Currently, around three of our group’s ships sail to this region on a monthly basis. So, it is the next logical step to open an office there to be able to further develop our position. We see lots of opportunities for example in the energy and infrastructure segments.”
Harren is headquartered in Bremen.
It operates a fleet of more than 80 heavy-lift carriers, bulkers, tankers, dock ships, container feeders, tugs, barges and offshore vessels.
PHOTOS
MAIN: Harren’s MV Lone and MV Annegret in Lagos. CREDIT: Harren Group
INSERT: Harren’s MV Paula in Durban, South Africa. CREDIT: Harren Group
