Odfjell SE and Japan’s Nissen Kaiun Co., Ltd. have established a new joint venture, Odfjell Hakata Maritime AS, based in Bergen. This partnership significantly enhances their long-standing collaboration and boosts capacity in the global chemical tanker market. The venture will initially operate a fleet of ten stainless-steel chemical tankers, with nine already in service under Odfjell Tankers and the tenth expected to join in early December.
Odfjell CEO Harald Fotland stated that this initiative reinforces the company’s status as a leading and energy-efficient chemical tanker operator. He noted that Nissen Kaiun’s fleet adheres to high quality and sustainability standards. The partnership combines Odfjell’s global trading network with Nissen Kaiun’s modern fleet, aiming to increase commercial trading days by approximately 12% in 2026 compared to 2025, thus enhancing capacity for global clients.
Odfjell Tankers will manage the commercial operations of the joint venture, integrating its fleet into existing chartering structures. The vessels will operate in major shipping lanes, addressing the increasing demand for safe, efficient chemical transportation while moving towards lower-emission practices. The joint venture is anticipated to become operational in December 2025.
