The German multipurpose heavylift market continues to face big changes with alliances and new players entering the market, others exiting and private equity interest growing from as far afield as China and the US.

Harren & Partner’s acquisition of SAL Heavy Lift, Zeaborn Group’s takeover of first Rickmers Linie’s activities and subsequently its shipmanagement operation, and market giant BBC Chartering’s tie-up with Jumbo Maritime are just some of the many developments on an almost constantly changing multipurpose ship (MPP) stage.