CONTAINER shipping line Neptune Pacific has announced it has acquired Pacific Direct Line from PDL’s parent holding company, Pacific International Lines. The combined business aims to link transport, warehousing, depots and customs clearance services and fully integrate customers’ supply chains across 18 South Pacific markets.
PDL offers services in shipping, shipping agencies, cruise agencies, container depots, trucking, fumigation, stevedoring, LCL, fuel gas and lubes, warehousing, distribution and storage.
The acquisition of PDL will strengthen Neptune’s Melanesian and Polynesian network, provide a link to Micronesia and the French territories, and enhance connectivity to global markets via strategic hubs in New Zealand and Fiji.
Rolf Rasmussen, managing director of Neptune said, “This purchase supports our long-term vision of creating the strongest and best regional network of shipping and logistics services in the Pacific Islands”.
“By acquiring PDL, we can further develop our mainline shipping network to provide fixed-day services and increase the utilisation of our combined fleet, enabling us to continue to offer competitive freight rates. PDL’s extensive logistics network will allow us to support our customers across their entire supply chain needs.”
Teo Siong Seng, executive chairman and managing director of PIL said, “Our group strives to optimise our resources and to review our overall business approach for new business opportunities”.
“The divestment of PDL is part of our strategic move that enables PIL to focus its resources on growing in the key liner markets that it operates in Asia, the Middle East, Africa and South America,” Mr Teo said.
“We will continue to improve our liner services between Asia and Oceania including the South Pacific Islands.”
With the acquisition of PDL, Neptune will now have a specialised fleet of nine vessels dedicated to South Pacific Island trades and a team of more than 800, most of whom are based in supply chain services in the region.
