Buoyed by new partnership

Thursday, January 10 - 2013

V.Ships has teamed-up with a new partner to develop its presence in the container market.

This week a ship management cooperation agreement was signed with Costamare - one of the world's leading owners and providers of containerships for charter - which will see the Greek-based company establish a cell within V. Ships by the second quarter of 2013.

The department will initially service 22 vessels under the head management of Costamare and those of third party clients, with the deal also signalling the transfer of Ciel Ship Management resources and container vessels to a new structure managed by V.Ships Greece.

The project will allow both organisations to utilise each other's extensive network of suppliers and affiliated companies, improve the quality of technical management operational performance and benefit from improved economies of scale with regards to crew supply and OPEX cost control.

Matt Dunlop, Chief Operating Officer with V.Ships Ship Management Division, said: "The joint cooperation arrangement will seek to tap into Costamare's penetration of the Greek container market, whilst also maximising opportunities that arise from the global spread of V.Ships.

"It's good to partner with someone who understands the business and has a passion for service delivery and growth, which is one of the key synergies of the new arrangement."

Group Commercial Director Andrea Sessa, said: "It is vital for V.Group to set up a strategic alliance with a world recognised ship owner such as Costamare.

"Given the current economic state of the shipping industry, it is extremely important that V.Group maintains the flexibility to deliver tailored solutions to support owners in controlling their operating costs.

"This new technical cell is an example of the alternative solutions we can offer to our clients to control their operating costs, enabling their companies to develop and for us both to grow together."