More than 200 people have been mobilized to intensify the clean-up efforts following the oil spill from the grounded Panama-flagged general cargo ship, MV Ultra Galaxy. Built in 2008 and managed by Copenhagen-based shipowner and operator Ultrabulk, the vessel encountered further disintegration after recent wintry and stormy weather battered South Africa’s west coast, causing the wreck to break apart even more. The South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) provided an update yesterday, confirming that the ship, which grounded on July 9, 2024, had suffered substantial damage due to the severe weather and high swells experienced over the weekend. The MV Ultra Galaxy has now broken up further, leading to an oil spill on a nearby beach. The wreck of MV Ultra Galaxy, managed and operated by Ultrabulk, has continued to deteriorate, with the vessel breaking apart and turning over, leaving nearly the entire length of its hull submerged underwater. Meanwhile, in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) confirmed that the MV CMA CGM Belem, a Malta-flagged container ship, arrived in Algoa Bay over the weekend and is currently anchored at the Port of Ngqurha. The MV CMA CGM Belem sought refuge in Algoa Bay on Sunday after losing 99 containers at sea in the Indian Ocean on Thursday evening. SAMSA is actively working to secure a berth for the MV CMA CGM Belem as soon as one becomes available. Vessels navigating the affected ocean area, along with the public, are urged to report any sightings of the lost containers to the appropriate authorities. South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) is experiencing one of its busiest years due to the significant shift in global trading patterns. A large portion of the global merchant fleet is avoiding the war-torn Red Sea on routes between Asia and Europe, opting instead to navigate around the coast of South Africa. This change in trading routes has increased maritime traffic along South Africa’s coastline, adding to SAMSA’s already extensive responsibilities in ensuring maritime safety and managing incidents such as the MV Ultra Galaxy oil spill and the MV CMA CGM Belem container loss. 21-August-2024
The Panama-flagged general cargo ship MV Ultra Galaxy, built in 2008 and managed by Copenhagen-based shipowner and operator Ultrabulk, has been stranded on South Africa’s west coast since early July 2024. Over the weekend, the 13K DWT MV Ultra Galaxy broke into four sections amid stormy conditions. The South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) reported an oil spill following the incident. Local authorities have joined the efforts to manage the cleanup. The wreck of the MV Ultra Galaxy, also managed by Ultrabulk, endured constant battering by swells, causing the accommodation block to detach initially, which then led to several larger cracks in the hull, forward of the accommodation area. On 8 July 2024, when the MV Ultra Galaxy issued its distress call, it was navigating towards Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Ultrabulk, established in 1986, is a leading global player in the dry bulk shipping industry, specializing in the maritime transportation of bulk commodities like grains, coal, and steel products. With a fleet that includes a range of vessel sizes, from handy-size to panamax, Ultrabulk operates on a global scale, providing tailored transportation solutions to its international clientele. The company’s strategic focus on sustainable practices and its commitment to safety and efficiency are pivotal in maintaining its reputation in the shipping sector. This incident with the MV Ultra Galaxy highlights the challenges faced by shipping operators worldwide in managing maritime emergencies. 29-July-2024
Salvage operations have commenced for the cargo of the Copenhagen-based Ultrabulk managed general cargo ship, the 2008-built MV Ultra Galaxy, which is grounded off a remote coastal stretch northwest of Cape Town, South Africa. The MV Ultra Galaxy is positioned nearly on its side at Duiwegat, an area characterized by rocky patches and sandy beaches. The South African Maritime Safety Authority reported that the operations to salvage the MV Ultra Galaxy are ongoing, with expert teams assessing the site and the ship itself. Current efforts are concentrated on setting up the necessary equipment to enable salvors to reach the MV Ultra Galaxy once the adverse weather conditions improve. The cargo aboard the MV Ultra Galaxy primarily includes low-sulphur fuel, hydraulic oils, and bagged fertilizer. Pollution response teams are actively cleaning up debris washed ashore. Furthermore, the South African Maritime Safety Authority has issued a navigation warning for the vicinity, advising all vessels to be vigilant for floating debris which could pose navigational hazards. The Panama-registered MV Ultra Galaxy, managed by Ultrabulk of Copenhagen, was en route to Dar es Salaam when it was abandoned by its 18-member Filipino crew due to severe listing, leading to its grounding. Following their abandonment, the crew was rescued from a life raft and initially taken by the fishing vessel Malachite to St Helena Bay, where they received medical attention. The South African Maritime Safety Authority has noted that the salvage efforts have been complicated by the challenging weather in the region, marked by persistent cold, wet conditions, and strong wind gusts, which have lasted for nearly a week. 17-July-2024
The Copenhagen-based shipowner and operator Ultrabulk is currently managing a crisis involving their 2008-built general cargo ship, the 13K DWT MV Ultra Galaxy. The ship was abandoned by its crew of 18 seafarers on Monday due to severe listing and subsequently ran aground. Efforts to mitigate potential environmental damage from a fuel and oil spill are now in progress. The South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) reported on Wednesday that there are ongoing attempts to salvage the ship’s cargo of fertilizer. The incident was confirmed after the ship grounded off the coast of Brand se Baai on the West Coast, 385km north of Cape Town, around 10:00 pm local time on Tuesday. Initial reports indicate that the MV Ultra Galaxy was carrying a full load of bagged fertilizer, as well as low-sulphur bunkering fuel and various hydraulic and related oils. Salvage operations kicked off shortly after the incident, with one tug arriving at the scene on Tuesday following a distress call that was issued at 3:00 am local time on 8 July 2024. Another tug, along with additional personnel and equipment, set out from Cape Town on Tuesday evening to aid the salvage efforts. Further actions are being implemented to contain any potential spillage from the Ultrabulk-managed MV Ultra Galaxy’s cargo. The MV Ultra Galaxy, which is Panama-registered and owned by Fujita Shoji but operated by the Denmark-based dry bulk operator Ultrabulk, was about 60 nautical miles west of Doring Bay when it first signaled distress. During this critical situation, three vessels nearby altered their courses to render assistance. The entire Filipino crew was successfully evacuated from the MV Ultra Galaxy using a life raft and was rescued by the vessel Malachite, then taken to St Helena Bay. At the time of the distress, the MV Ultra Galaxy was heading towards Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. 11-July-2024
Copenhagen-based shipowner and operator Ultrabulk, a bulker operator with deep-rooted business connections in Japan, has demonstrated its commitment to the Japanese market by establishing a permanent office in Tokyo. CEO Hans-Christian Olesen-led Ultrabulk’s new office in Tokyo will serve as the central hub for Ultrabulk’s chartering activities. Danish dry bulk shipowner and operator Ultrabulk has maintained enduring relationships with Japanese shipowners and cargo stakeholders for a quarter-century. To solidify its presence in Japan, Ultrabulk initially set up a temporary office in Tokyo at the beginning of 2023. This temporary arrangement has now been made permanent with the establishment of Ultrabulk Japan KK. The new office will have a Japanese chartering executive onboard, equipped with a thorough understanding of the local market, further enhancing Ultrabulk’s operations in Japan. 12-October-2023
Copenhagen-based shipowner and operator Ultrabulk appointed COO Hans-Christian Olesen as the company’s new CEO. New CEO Hans-Christian Olesen has been with Ultrabulk for almost 35 years. New CEO Hans-Christian Olesen is taking over from Per von Appen, who becomes the chairman. Per von Appen became CEO for a second time in August 2021 after long-serving chief Per Lange stepped down. Danish shipowner and operator Ultrabulk stated it had been remarkably active six months since the change of administration and strategic direction in 2021. Danish dry bulk shipowner and operator Ultrabulk is controlled by Chile’s Ultranav Group. Copenhagen-based shipowner and operator Ultrabulk’s purpose is to designate the company’s departments by propelling decision-making to the front line. Per von Appen had worked closely with new CEO Hans-Christian Olesen over the years. Per von Appen is sure that new CEO Hans-Christian Olesen will make Ultrabulk even more prosperous. Per von Appen will remain as close to Danish dry bulk shipowner and operator Ultrabulk as possible. Ex CEO Per von Appen will continue to work with the executive group. Danish dry bulk shipowner and operator Ultrabulk doubled revenues in 2021. and strongly lifting profits on the back of an expanding fleet and positive dry cargo markets. Ultrabulk had a record year in 2021. Copenhagen-based shipowner and operator Ultrabulk doubled revenues and extremely raised profits in 2021. Furthermore, Ultrabulk expanded its fleet in 2021. Ultrabulk has no intentions to penetrate the capesize bulk carrier sector. Currently, Danish dry bulk shipowner and operator Ultrabulk controls a mixed fleet of 160 ships. 17-March-2022
Copenhagen-based shipowner and operator Ultrabulk opened a new office in Dubai. Danish shipowner and operator Ultrabulk’s Dubai office will be led by Philip Wiencken. Ultrabulk desires to offer better service to charterers by having a regional presence. Ultrabulk’s Dubai office will be supported by Cape Town and Singapore offices. Per von Appen-led shipowner and operator Ultrabulk is extremely satisfied with the support the company has welcomed from Middle Eastern charterers in recent years. Furthermore, Ultrabulk’s Dubai office will focus on Africa and deliver influential synergies between the teams. Currently, Danish shipowner and operator Ultrabulk operates 160 vessels and has eight (8) offices. Copenhagen-based shipowner and operator Ultrabulk is part of the Ultranav Group. 24-January-2022
Copenhagen-based shipowner and operator Ultrabulk new CEO Per von Appen, a member of the controlling von Appen family, will take over as CEO on 1 January 2021. Ultrabulk new CEO Per von Appen will be replacing Per Lange. Danish dry bulk shipowner and operator Ultrabulk is controlled by Chile’s Ultranav Group. Ultrabulk will not be proceeding with fleet expansion in 2021. Furthermore, Ultrabulk does not anticipate anything major in 2022 in terms of a distinctive strategy for the business. Ultrabulk is active from multipurpose ships to kamsarmax bulk carriers. Ultrabulk has no intentions to penetrate the capesize bulk carrier sector. Ultrabulk reported a net loss of $16.3 million in 2021. Per Lange will stay on as managing director of Ultranav Denmark. Per Lange will represent the Ultrabulk at several industry bodies like Danish Shipping. Copenhagen-based shipowner and operator Ultrabulk operated on average 137 bulk carriers in 2020. Currently, Ultrabulk controls 43 owned and long-term chartered bulk carriers. 1-September-2021
Copenhagen-based shipowner and operator Ultrabulk’s 2005 built ultramax bulk carrier 61K DWT MV Ultra Daniela was arrested with cocaine at the port of Ghent, Belgium. Ultrabulk’s bulk carrier sailed from Barranquilla, Colombia, on 20 June 2020 and was carrying coal cargo. Six (6) drug smugglers were arrested. Container ships had been the foremost victim of drug cartels up until now. However, they started using bulk carriers. 11-July-2020
Copenhagen-based shipowner and operator Ultrabulk bounces back to profit in 2018. Ultrabulk’s revenue increased to $1 billion due to the strong dry cargo market in 2018. Shipowner and operator Ultrabulk is positive about 2019 dry bulk shipping. In 2018, Ultrabulk reported a profit of $15.5 million. In 2017, Ultrabulk reported a profit of $2.4 million. CEO Per Lange led Ultrabulk is delighted to deliver shareholders some return on their investment after difficult years. Danish shipowner and operator Ultrabulk anticipates a healthier dry bulk shipping market and projects concrete results and profit in 2019. According to Ultrabulk, trade wars triggered uncertainty in shipping markets. Widespread protectionism in numerous nations will have negative impacts on shipping and the world economy. Economic uncertainty is going to retain investments. In 2018, including chartered-in ships, Ultrabulk operated an average fleet of 144 ships. Ultrabulk has a fleet of 50 owned and long-term chartered ships. Ultrabulk is expecting higher long-term commitments and not scared of growing. Ultrabulk foresees to generate better returns. 31-March-2019
Danish shipowner and operator Ultrabulk has reported a loss of $2.4 million in 2017. Ultrabulk is presumptuous of a swift return to profit and anticipates to report a net profit in 2018. Danish shipowner and operator Ultrabulk operates a fleet of around 150 dry bulk carriers at any given time. In 2017, due to an increase in Chinese construction projects and an acceleration in manufacturing globally, dry cargo freight rates commenced increasing in 2017. In 2018, Ultrabulk anticipates a dry bulk fleet increase of 2.5%. Furthermore, dry bulk market freight rates will remain increasing in 2018. 25-March-2018