The UK shipowning family Whitaker is selling its tanker company after 144 years of operations.
Compatriot bunker supplier, trader and broker Lindsay Blee has agreed on a deal to take over Hull-based Whitaker Tankers, moving into shipowning as a result.
No financial details were disclosed.
The fleet consists of eight bunker tankers from 2,100 dwt to 6,500 dwt, valued at $37.65m by VesselsValue.
The average age is 19 years, with the oldest ship dating from 1996 and the newest from 2015.
“We are delighted to be acquired by Lindsay Blee,” the tanker company said.
“Whilst this has a twinge of sadness for the Whitaker family, having owned the business for 144 years, we strongly believe this is a positive change, providing clarity on the succession of the business to our staff and customers,” it added.
Whitaker Tankers said Lindsay recognises its world-class reputation, “and shares our desire to drive the business forward into the future”.
Whitaker Tankers was founded by John Whitaker in 1880. It was owned up to the current transaction by the fifth generation of the family.
Mark Whitaker is the managing director. He has been contacted for further comment.
Dedicated staff
“The success of our business has only been achieved through the incredible hard work and professionalism of our staff ashore and afloat,” the shipowner said.
“And as there will be no changes in this regard we are confident that there will be a smooth transition to the new owners, of whom we wish the very best in their new venture,” it added.
Lindsay Blee was set up in 1959 and is based in Henley-on-Thames. There is also a US subsidiary.
James Hills, the group’s managing director, said he was thrilled to make the acquisition.
“We look forward with excitement to working together with the Whitaker team and building upon their well-established success and reputation for quality and service,” he added.
The tanker company began life as a dry cargo lighterage business on the River Humber. John Whitaker was 33 when he established the operation with two small secondhand wooden ships.
It became a limited company in 1910 and added its first 450-gt coastal tanker in 1955.
