United Heavy Lift and Marguisa have established a joint venture called United Marguisa Lines to continue their joint services to Africa. “The first year of the joint sailings has proven valuable to many clients and we, therefore, decided to further formalize this service”, the partners state. 

The new company is headed by managing directors Francisco Duran of Marguisa and Christian Monsted of United Heavy Lift. The company will operate two vessels on long-term contracts called the ‘UML Veronica’ and ‘UML Valentina’. Additional tonnage will be under charter as per the requirements of the semi liner sailings. Usually, 3 to 4 additional vessels are under charter on shorter duration, UML states.

“While the market situation in West Africa has been under severe pressure the past year, we have still managed to continue servicing the trade with biweekly sailings ex Mediterranean, and monthly sailings ex the Continent. Therefore, we feel confident that we can grow this trade even further the coming years and further expand our offerings to include East Africa, where we focus especially on the massive LNG projects in Mozambique”, says Christian Monsted.

“The startup of United Marguisa Lines confirms the long-run commitment of United Heavy Lift and Marguisa with Africa and particularly with the development of its breakbulk and project cargo industry. We have a long road ahead of us, plenty of challenges and opportunities, but that road is well paved and enjoys a very motivated, customer-oriented and skilled team”, adds Francisco Durán.