In a move that will see the downsizing of Safmarine staff on a global basis by some 240 people, the line yesterday announced that its internal support and management functions would be merged into those of its sister company Maersk Line.
While the Safmarine headquarters is intended to close, the brand will be kept in the Maersk Liner business portfolio, Maersk liner business CEO Eivind Kolding said. “Safmarine is an important component in the
liner business strategy, but the need to ensure management efficiencies and control cost has lead to the decision to propose merging Safmarine's management into that of Maersk Line,” he said.
Merging these internal support functions and central management involves the closure of Safmarine's Antwerp head office and regional offices in Antwerp, Shanghai, Dubai, Cape Town and Mumbai, along with centre support functions currently carried out in Singapore and Cape Town. This will potentially affect 240 people in those locations, he said.
The changing role of Safmarine's management will also see a shift in
responsibilities for the company's leadership. Current CEO, Tomas
Dyrbye, will be leaving his position. His successor will be announced in the near future.
While Kolding expressed regret about the loss of valued colleagues, he said the company was “working with our employees to find a fair outcome for everyone affected."
Kolding made it clear that Safmarine would continue to be an important part of the business. “The Safmarine brand is to be grown further as part of Maersk's liner business strategy of providing differentiated customer offerings,” he said. "It is our clear intention to strengthen the Safmarine brand. Over its long
history it has become a force to be reckoned with in its markets and
customers value its distinctive approach to deep and lasting
relationships."
Safmarine currently operates alongside Maersk Line as a fully
independent shipowner and shipping line serving Africa, the Middle East and India. This move will reduce core costs of running two
businesses.
The Multi Purpose Vessel business of Safmarine will be unaffected by the integration and continue to be developed from its base in Antwerp.
