GLOBAL SHIPPING SERVICES The JJ Ugland Companies are global providers of shipping, ship management, offshore and industry services. Industry Europe looks at its activities and some of its latest news.
T
he JJ Ugland Companies make up one of Scandinavia’s most respected and successful shipping groups that is located in the historic town of Grimstad on Norway’s south-eastern coastline. The Ugland companies have a remarkable history dating back to the 17th century when the Ugland family were involved in forestry, farming and shipbuilding. Norway’s famous local shipbuilder, Halvor Olsen Ugland built the classic sailing ship ‘Fortuna’ in 1772 and this was the beginning of a long family tradition in shipping. The companies’ key business areas are ship-owning, ship-management, offshore operations and offshore construction. The shipping arm of The JJ Ugland Companies consist of AS Uglands Rederi, Ugland Shipping AS, Ugland Bulk Transport AS and Ugland Marine Services AS. These companies constitute a professionally managed and fully integrated ship
management consortium where all service facilities are provided in-house via Ugland Marine Services. The main JJ Ugland companies are located in Grimstad, and it is from there that Ugland Bulk Transport operates a pool of ‘Handymax’ bulk carriers. It is worth noting that recently Ugland Bulk Transport AS was rated as one of Norway’s best companies. Also based in Grimstad is AS Nymo, the group’s full-service engineering, procurement and construction company within the oil & gas industry, with a main yard in Grimstad and additional fabrication facilities in the neighbouring town of Arendal.
Continuous investment programme The JJ Ugland Companies form a diverse shipping group that continues to expand both its bulk carrier fleet and its range of marine services. The bulk shipping fleet operates on long-term charters worldwide.
In line with the ongoing company strategy to renew its bulk carrier fleet it recently sold the oldest vessel in its bulker fleet, the LIVANITA. In late 2014 and early 2015 the bulker fleet will be further renewed with the delivery of two supramax newbulidings. Furthermore, in June this year (2014) Ugland Shipping AS signed a contract with Imabari Shipbuilding Co. Ltd in Japan for the construction of two 63,000 dwt bulk carriers for delivery in 2017. A company spokesperson said, “When it comes to bulk carriers we are one of the biggest in Norway. We are continuing to renew and expand our bulk carrier and tanker fleets. However, what is most important is timing when it comes to making such large investments. Furthermore, we are an old fashioned company in the sense that we are a fully integrated shipping group that provides technical management and full crewing and are committed to maintaining
Industry Europe 127
