The bulk carrier shipping industry in Europe focuses on the transportation of large volumes of goods, particularly commodities like grain, coal, and ore. A mix of established shipping lines and innovative logistics firms shape this sector, offering integrated services to facilitate international trade. Notably, sustainable practices are becoming a priority, with companies exploring eco-friendly technologies. The growth of e-commerce has further influenced shipping dynamics, driving demand for efficiency. As global trade continues to evolve, bulk carriers are essential for the supply chain, making the industry pivotal for economic stability and environmental responsibilities.


Among the featured investors, corporate giants, private equity firms, and venture capitalists have shaped Europe’s shipping industry, characterized by their varied investments. Most notable are CMS CGM and A.P. Moller, both notable for multi-billion-dollar operations. The listed firms, originating from countries like France, Denmark, and the UK, showcase wide-ranging engagement, with some—such as Kima Ventures—focusing on early-stage marine tech. In 2024 alone, these investors undertook numerous deals, underscoring their commitment to the bulk carrier niche and the broader maritime landscape.


Top 13 Bulk Carrier Shipping Investors in Europe


1. A.P. Moller - Maersk

  • Website: maersk.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Copenhagen, Denmark
  • Founded year: 1904
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 4
  • LinkedIn: maersk-group

A.P. Moller – Mærsk A/S is a leading logistics company based in Copenhagen, Denmark, specializing in shipping and logistics services on a global scale. Founded in 1904, the company has established itself as a key player in the transportation of goods, providing comprehensive solutions that encompass shipping, port operations, supply chain management, and warehousing. Notably, Maersk's acquisition of Safmarine in 1999 highlights its commitment to bulk shipping, as Safmarine has a strong history in this area. More recently, Maersk has expanded its logistics capabilities through acquisitions such as Pilot Freight Services in 2022, which aims to enhance its integrated logistics offerings. Additionally, Maersk Growth has invested in logistics startups like Forto and Ofload, indicating a strategic focus on improving supply chain efficiency and sustainability. These transactions reflect Maersk's ongoing involvement in the shipping industry, including bulk carrier operations.


2. Cma Cgm

  • Website: cma-cgm.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Marseille, Provence-Alpes-Côte D'Azur, France
  • Founded year: 1978
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: cma-cgm

CMA CGM is a leading shipping and logistics company founded in 1978, headquartered in Marseille, France. With a workforce of over 10,000 employees, the company operates in more than 160 countries, providing a comprehensive range of services including maritime transport, logistics solutions, and air freight. Notably, CMA CGM has made strategic acquisitions to enhance its position in the shipping industry. For instance, the acquisition of Mercosul Line in 2017 demonstrates their commitment to expanding their bulk shipping capabilities in South America. Furthermore, their investment in Total Terminal International Algeciras and shares in COSCO SHIPPING Ports Spain reflect their strategy to strengthen their operational footprint in key maritime locations. These transactions highlight CMA CGM's active role in the bulk carrier shipping sector, making them a relevant investor in this category.


3. Cvc

  • Website: cvc.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Luxembourg
  • Founded year: 2005
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 16
  • LinkedIn: cvc-capital-partners

CVC Capital Partners is a prominent investment firm founded in 2005, based in Luxembourg, specializing in private equity, credit, secondaries, and infrastructure. With approximately €193 billion in assets under management for over 1000 clients, including pension funds and institutional investors, CVC focuses on delivering sustainable value and growth through strategic investments. Notably, CVC has a history of significant transactions in the shipping and logistics sector, including the acquisition of Coeclerici S.p.A. in 1994, which is involved in shipping and logistics, particularly in bulk carrier operations. Additionally, CVC's acquisition of Scan Global Logistics in 2023 further demonstrates their active engagement in the logistics sector, which is closely related to shipping. These transactions highlight CVC's capability and interest in sectors that intersect with bulk carrier shipping.


4. Kima Ventures

  • Website: kimaventures.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 2010
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 50
  • LinkedIn: kima-ventures

Kima Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 2010. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage startups across various sectors, backing two startups per week with financial support and mentorship to help them grow. In 2024, Kima Ventures has made 50 investments, showcasing their active role in the startup ecosystem. Among their notable transactions is their investment in Shipfix, a provider of a dry cargo shipping platform, which raised $4.5 million in seed funding. This investment highlights Kima Ventures' engagement in the shipping industry, particularly in the bulk carrier sector, alongside other investments in diverse startups such as Ovrsea, BoxC, and Trusk.


5. MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company


Mediterranean Shipping Company S.A. (MSC) is a logistics company specializing in shipping and transportation services, founded in 1970 and based in Geneva, Switzerland. With over 10,000 employees, MSC operates globally, providing tailored logistics solutions across various industries, including agriculture, automotive, and pharmaceuticals. In recent years, MSC has made strategic acquisitions to enhance its shipping and logistics capabilities. Notably, in January 2022, MSC acquired a 67% stake in Log-in, a Brazilian company, allowing it to enter the cabotage market and expand its operational footprint. Additionally, MSC has acquired Integrated Container Logistics in Australia, further strengthening its logistics arm. The company has also invested in towage services through acquisitions of Boluda Towage and Rimorchiatori Mediterranei, indicating a commitment to enhancing its maritime operations. These transactions reflect MSC's strategic approach to expanding its influence in the shipping industry, including potential involvement in bulk carrier shipping.


6. Eurazeo

  • Website: eurazeo.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 1969
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 40
  • LinkedIn: eurazeo

Eurazeo is a prominent investment management firm based in Paris, specializing in private equity, private debt, and real assets. Founded in 1969, the firm has established a significant presence in the investment management landscape across Europe. Eurazeo provides tailored investment strategies aimed at fostering growth and expansion in various sectors, including technology and healthcare. Notably, Eurazeo has engaged in several transactions that intersect with the logistics and shipping industries, such as their investment in Shipfix, which raised $14,500,000 in a Series A round in May 2022. This platform enhances the efficiency of shipping operations, suggesting Eurazeo's interest in the logistics aspect of shipping. Additionally, their investment in Samskip, a logistics company, further highlights their involvement in the broader shipping sector. While Eurazeo's primary focus may not be exclusively on bulk carrier shipping, their investments in related logistics companies indicate a potential interest in the shipping industry as a whole.


7. Wilhelmsen group


Wilh. Wilhelmsen Holding ASA, founded in 1861 and based in Lysaker, Akershus, Norway, is a maritime services company that provides a comprehensive range of services including port operations, ship management, and solutions for energy transition. The company plays a crucial role in the maritime industry, helping clients manage their fleets and logistics efficiently while addressing environmental challenges. Recently, Wilhelmsen Ship Management has been involved in several significant transactions, including the acquisition of Zeaborn Ship Management, which encompasses a fleet of 100 vessels, enhancing their market presence in ship management. Additionally, they have made strategic acquisitions such as a 50% stake in Ahrenkiel Steamship GmbH, focusing on container ships, and an 80% majority stake in Ahrenkiel Tankers, marking their re-entry into the tanker market. These transactions highlight Wilhelmsen's active engagement in the shipping sector, including bulk carriers, making them a relevant investor in this space.


8. Ldc

  • Website: ldc.co.uk
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1981
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 15
  • LinkedIn: ldc

Lloyds Development Capital (Holdings) Limited, known as LDC, is a private equity firm based in London, England, that specializes in providing growth capital and strategic support to mid-market businesses across various sectors. Founded in 1981, LDC is part of Lloyds Banking Group and focuses on fostering long-term partnerships to drive business success through investment and advisory services. Among its notable transactions, LDC made a minority investment in Cleveland Containers, a UK shipping container supplier, to support its growth, indicating a connection to the shipping industry. Additionally, LDC has invested in companies like Idwal Marine Services, which develops technology for marine services, further showcasing its engagement with sectors related to shipping and logistics. While LDC's portfolio is diverse, its involvement in shipping-related investments suggests a potential interest in the bulk carrier shipping sector.


9. iCON Infrastructure LLP


iCON Infrastructure LLP is a private equity investment firm based in London, England, specializing in infrastructure investments. Founded in 2011, the firm manages funds for institutional investors, including pension funds and insurance companies, seeking reliable investment returns. iCON Infrastructure has a diverse portfolio that spans various sectors, including logistics and transportation. Notably, they have made several acquisitions relevant to the bulk carrier shipping context, such as Verbrugge International, Combined Cargo Terminals (CCT), and Service Terminal Rotterdam. These transactions highlight their strategic interest in companies that enhance shipping and logistics capabilities, positioning them as a significant player in the infrastructure that supports bulk carrier operations.


10. Montagu

  • Website: montagu.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1968
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: montagu-private-equity-llp

Montagu Private Equity is a private equity firm based in London, England, founded in 1968. The firm specializes in investment management and growth strategies, partnering with management teams across various sectors, including healthcare and financial services. Montagu focuses on mid-market companies and is committed to responsible investing. Notably, Montagu has made significant investments in the maritime sector, including the acquisition of Lloyd's List Intelligence for £385 million, enhancing its portfolio in maritime news and intelligence. Additionally, the firm acquired the Isle of Man Steam Packet, a key player in maritime transportation, further demonstrating its engagement in the shipping industry. These transactions highlight Montagu's strategic interest in maritime operations, including bulk carrier shipping.


11. STAR Capital Partnership LLP

  • Website: star-capital.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1999
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 4
  • LinkedIn: star-capital.com

STAR Capital Partnership LLP is a private equity firm based in London, England, founded in 1999. The firm specializes in strategic asset-based investments across Western Europe, managing capital from institutional investors. STAR Capital focuses on sectors such as transport, utilities, and healthcare, partnering with management teams to enhance shareholder value and ensure long-term growth. Notably, STAR Capital has made significant investments in the shipping industry, including acquiring a cornerstone shareholding in MPC Container Ships AS, making them the largest shareholder in the company. Additionally, they partnered with Ackermans & Van Haaren to acquire a 33% stake in V.Group, a ship management and marine support service provider. These transactions highlight STAR Capital's commitment to the shipping sector, particularly in areas that could intersect with bulk carrier operations.


12. Seventure Partners

  • Website: seventure.fr
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 1997
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 21
  • LinkedIn: seventure-partners

Seventure Partners is a Paris-based venture capital firm founded in 1997, specializing in managing funds for innovative companies primarily in the digital technology and life sciences sectors. They focus on supporting startups and growth-stage companies through strategic funding. Notably, Seventure Partners has invested in Sinay, a French maritime tech company, which raised €5 million to support its growth and internationalization efforts. This investment reflects Seventure's engagement in the maritime industry, albeit within a broader context of technology and innovation. Other transactions include investments in various sectors, but the maritime focus through Sinay is particularly relevant to the bulk carrier shipping context.


13. TecPier

  • Website: tecpier.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
  • Founded year: 2018
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • LinkedIn: tecpier

TecPier GmbH & Co. KG is a venture capital firm based in Hamburg, Germany, founded in 2018. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage B2B technology startups within the maritime, logistics, and supply chain sectors. TecPier provides funding and support to help these startups develop innovative solutions and technologies that address the needs of businesses in these industries. Notable transactions include their investment in OceanScore, a platform that tracks emissions from the global shipping fleet, highlighting their commitment to the maritime sector. They have also participated in funding rounds for other startups like FlowFox and Clockwork Logistics Systems, which, while not exclusively focused on bulk carriers, contribute to the broader maritime and logistics ecosystem.



Bulk Carrier Shipping Insights: Key Investors in Europe


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
A.P. Moller - MaerskCopenhagen, Denmark10001+19044
Cma CgmMarseille, Provence-Alpes-Côte D'Azur, France10001+19781
CvcLuxembourg1001-5000200516
Kima VenturesParis, Île-De-France, France1-10201050
MSC Mediterranean Shipping CompanyGeneva, Geneva, Switzerland10001+19704
EurazeoParis, Île-De-France, France201-500196940
Wilhelmsen groupLysaker, Akershus, Norway10001+18610
LdcLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-200198115
iCON Infrastructure LLPLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-20020111
MontaguLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-20019682
STAR Capital Partnership LLPLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)11-5019994
Seventure PartnersParis, Île-De-France, France11-50199721
TecPierHamburg, Hamburg, Germany1-1020180


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