Marubeni to invest in Gearbulk

Japanese trading house Marubeni Corporation has announced a strategic agreement to invest an unspecified sum in Gearbulk Holding, the world’s largest operator of open-hatch vessels.

“This is not just a financial investment; it’s a strategic partnership to grow together,” said Jiro Itai, senior managing executive officer at Marubeni.

Through its Singapore-based shipping arm MMSL, Marubeni has already enjoyed a long-standing relationship with Gearbulk. Over the past two decades, the two companies have engaged in numerous chartering and leasing transactions.

Headquartered in Switzerland, Gearbulk has been a key player in specialised cargo transport since its founding in 1968. At the start of this year, another Japanese company, Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL) completed the takeover of Gearbulk.