The combined company will be led by former Aquaship CEO Sverre Taknes and Executive Chairman Ole-Peter Brandal.
US-based investment fund American Industrial Partners (AIP) a has acquired a controlling stake in Norwegian aquaculture service companies AquaShip and Intership.
The strategic move, which was announced Monday, will merge the two entities to create one of the largest and most diversified aqua service vessel operators worldwide.
The newly combined operation will be spearheaded by CEO Sverre Taknes, who previously served as the CEO of AquaShip, and Executive Chairman Ole-Peter Brandal, the former CEO of Intership. This leadership team aims to harness the complementary strengths of both businesses, leveraging leading operating expertise, a diverse and high-quality fleet, and a commitment to technological innovation.
AquaShip’s current fleet includes 28 varied vessels, ranging from live-fish carriers to fish feed and service vessels, with a geographical footprint that spans Norway, Scotland, Ireland, Chile, Canada, and Shetland.
Intership, known for its live fish carrier operations, contributes an additional nine vessels, along with two new builds underway, primarily facilitating the transport of smolt, grading, treatment, and harvest.
The merger positions the combined company as a formidable presence in the aquaculture industry, with a total fleet of 39 vessels and nearly 700 employees. The expanded operations will have a significant global impact, with activities in key markets including Chile, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, and Norway.
