Singapore-headquartered tanker pool manager Womar Logistics has been taken over by finance player FDX Offshore.
The companies couched the deal as a way to expand Womar beyond its chemical tanker focus.
“The purpose of the Womar/FDX Offshore relationship is to build the best independent pool operator in the shipping industry,” Womar said in a press release.
“Anchored in Womar’s current chemical tanker pools, the partnership intends to both expand its chemical tanker pools as well as initiate and grow independent pools in other classes of ships.”
Womar was incorporated in early 2009 and operates two pools. The Marida Tanker Pool is made up of nine coated chemical tankers of between 10,000 dwt to 14,000 dwt. Its Stainless Tanker Pool that consists of 22 stainless steel chemical ships of 19,000-dwt to 25,000-dwt. All the ships meet the IMO II chemical handling standards.
Womar has 11 pool members including AET, Cido Shipping, Reederei Nord Group, Shosei Kisen, Foreguard Shipping and Dingheng Group.
“Womar has had a long and successful relationship with BW Group. BW has recently sold its chemical tanker fleet, and this transaction is a logical progression for Womar to grow as the best chemical pool operator under new partnership,” said Hans van der Zijde, Womar’s CEO.
“We have already been having discussions with many shipowners who are excited about what we have to offer as an independent operator and with FDX’s expertise and resources.”
Connecticut-based FDX Offshore is a boutique financing company that focuses on the maritime, commodity and speciality finance sectors. It is backed by the family office of Denis Nayden, former chairman and CEO of GE Capital.
“We are very excited to work with Hans and his team to continue to grow what we and others view as the world’s best-in-class chemical tanker pool platform,” said FDX Offshore managing partner Jake Scott.
“We believe FDX’s financial expertise combined with Womar’s excellence in pool management will allow us to expand the services provided to pool members, enhance their profitability and help pool members manage and grow their individual fleets.”
Womar is promising a seamless operational transition.
