Container line Safmarine said Monday it will merge its operations into larger sister carrier Maersk Line, a move that cut 240 jobs while boosting efficiency and reducing costs.
The carrier, which serves Africa, the Middle East and India, said on Monday that it is closing its corporate headquarters in Antwerp and regional offices in the Belgian port city, Shanghai, Dubai, Cape Town and Mumbai. Safmarine CEO Thomas Drybye is leaving the company and his successor will be announced in the near future.
The Safmarine brand will be retained, Maersk Line said. Maersk Line CEO Eivind Kolding said Safmarine will remain an important part of the Danish carrier’s business.
“It has proven that a close focus on a particular approach can deliver stronger customer service and lasting relationships — this is core to our mission of redefining shipping,” he said.
The merger will not affect Safmarine’s multi-purpose shipping operations, which will continue to be developed from its Antwerp base.
— Contact Bruce Barnard at brucebarnard47@hotmail.com.
