This article is excerpted from CSG China Aviation Weekly
On March 20th, Maersk announced the divestment of Maersk Supply Chain Services and the launch of a new European Chinese air freight route.
Maersk divests Maersk Supply Chain Services
On March 20th, Maersk announced the divestment of Maersk Supply Service (MSS) and its sale to A P. A.P. Moller Holding. The enterprise value of this transaction is $685 million.
Maersk related announcements
It is understood that MSS was founded in 1967 and is a supplier of global offshore services and project solutions for the energy industry, with over 50 years of experience in complex offshore operations.
At present, MSS has 36 ships and over 1300 crew members. In addition, there are about 300 onshore employees providing business support.
Maersk stated that this move marks the completion of the company's divestment of all energy related businesses and will focus on integrating its logistics business.
Maersk stated, "In 2016, Maersk adopted a new strategy focused on integrated logistics business and initiated the divestment process of energy related businesses. Among them, Maersk Tankers, Maersk Oil&Gas, and Maersk Drilling businesses were divested successively from 2017 to 2019
A. Martin Larsen, Chief Financial Officer of P. Moller Holdings, stated, "MSS will continue to operate under its current name and will continue to use Maersk's seven pointed star logo
Martin Larsen stated that it will drive MSS's transformation to become a leading maritime company serving the offshore wind industry.
Maersk launches new Europe China air freight route
On March 20th, Maersk announced the first flight of its new Europe China air route.
Maersk stated that the opening of regular flights between Billund/BLL in Denmark and Hangzhou/HGH in China is aimed at meeting the growing demand of customers.
At present, Maersk's Eurasian air freight route operates three flights per week, with the first newly modified Boeing 767-300 freighter in the company's air cargo fleet. All flights between Europe and China will be operated by Maersk's own air cargo company.
Michel Pozas Lucic, Global Air Transport Product Manager at Maersk, said, "Launching a new service between Europe and China is another leap for us to provide our customers with truly integrated logistics services. We want to ensure that our customers have visibility, reliability, and resilience in their supply chain, and air transport services with scheduled flights and controllable capacity are key to meeting end-to-end logistics needs
This maiden flight also marks the first time regular air cargo business has been launched between Denmark and Asia.
Maersk stated that the opening of air freight routes from Billund Airport to China is expected to significantly increase the flow of high-value, time sensitive goods between Scandinavia, Northern Europe, and the entire Asia Pacific region.
In addition, Maersk's newly opened air transport hub at Billund Airport in Denmark can help customers avoid congestion and delays encountered at large airports. At the same time, the aircraft apron is located near Maersk Airport warehouse facilities, which can better control logistics progress and facilitate faster customs clearance of goods.