Athens-based shipowner and operator AK Shipping Company SA (Ak Group Co Ltd) has expanded its fleet with the recent acquisition of a second vintage handysize bulk carrier in 2024. The company’s latest purchase, the 2006-built handysize bulk carrier 30K DWT MV AK KHAIRA (formerly MV Miltiades II), was acquired from PL Shipping, a well-established Athens-based shipowner and operator. Details regarding the financial terms of this acquisition have not been disclosed. PL Shipping, a subsidiary of the respected corporate entity PL Group, operates within a diversified business framework that includes shipping, real estate, asset management, and renewable energy. PL Group is celebrated for its strategic engagement in multiple sectors, creating a robust foundation for sustained economic growth. PL Group’s portfolio includes significant operations in: Real Estate: Managing and optimizing commercial property investments. Asset Management: Offering tailored investment services to clients both in Greece and internationally, with expertise in managing diverse investment portfolios. Renewable Energy: Focusing on large-scale green energy projects, particularly in photovoltaic technology. Holborn Bulk, which operates as the commercial arm of PL Shipping, plays a critical role in managing the commercial activities of PL Shipping. Established to enhance PL Shipping’s position in the competitive global dry bulk market, Holborn Bulk aligns with the modern vision of the shipping industry. The leadership and strategic direction of PL Group can be attributed to its founder, Miltiades Papadopoulos, who is also a co-founder of Greece’s third-largest retail food chain. This leadership has steered PL Group through successful business expansions and diversifications. Earlier in September 2024, AK Shipping Company SA (Ak Group Co Ltd) acquired the 2000-built handysize bulk carrier 32K DWT MV AK GARY (formerly MV Ultra Tronador) from Ultranav for around $5 million, taking into account upcoming special surveys (SS) and dry docking (DD) needs. AK Shipping Company SA is also recognized for its significant activities in the Black Sea region, managing smaller vessels such as the 6.9K DWT general cargo vessel MV Paresa. In a notable incident in October 2024, MV Paresa was struck by a Russian missile while moored in the port of Yuzhny, highlighting the operational challenges faced in volatile regions. PL Shipping, part of the larger PL Group, continues to build on its legacy of innovation and market leadership, fostering robust growth and diversification across its business sectors. 12-November-2024
Greek shipowner and operator PL Shipping acquired 2011 built handysize dry bulk carrier 34K DWT MV Hope (ex MV Eftichia). PL Shipping has been expanding its fleet. In 2019, bulk carrier operator PL Shipping increased its fleet with handysize bulk carriers. 34K DWT MV Hope (ex MV Eftichia) has joined PL Shipping’s fleet in June 2019. Previously MV Hope (ex MV Eftichia) was in the fleet Greek shipowner Super-Eco Bulkers. Super-Eco Bulkers had been trading MV Eftichia since delivered from Dae Sun Shipbuilding & Engineering as a new building. Greek shipowner and operator PL Shipping is led by Grigoris Papadopoulos and nephew George Lambrakis. Grigoris Papadopoulos and George Lambrakis have been aiming to increase the fleet to 10 dry bulk carriers. PL Shipping’s administrators Grigoris Papadopoulos and nephew George Lambrakis have been active in the shipping business for 12 years. In Greece, Grigoris Papadopoulos and George Lambrakis have a wider business group that includes food retail and property interests. Holborn Bulk is the commercial arm of Greek shipowner and operator PL Shipping. Holborn Bulk was organized to perform the commercial activities of PL Shipping. Currently, MV Hope (ex MV Eftichia) is the fifth bulk carrier in the fleet of PL Shipping. Tomasos family-controlled Super-Eco Bulkers acquired similar bulk carrier 2012 built 36K DWT MV Federica (ex MV Nord Mumbai) for around $12 million. 27-June-2019