Liner shipping services operator, Swire Shipping has further expanded its footprint in the United States with the acquisition of Westwood Shipping Lines. Swire Shipping’s unit, SSPL US, has made the acquisition from J-WeSco, a unit of The Sumitomo Warehouse for an undisclosed fee. 

The acquisition complements Swire Shipping’s growth strategy to widen its liner network while also vertically integrating many of its shipping services with first- and last-mile land services. Swire Shipping currently owns a multi-purpose fleet providing a wide range of specialist customer solutions for containerised, project, heavy lift, breakbulk and mini-bulk cargoes.

Founded in 1980, Westwood services the Transpacific trade as a first- class multipurpose operator dedicated to Japan, Korea and China markets to and from Pacific Northwest. It is headquartered in Puyallup, Washington State.

“We are excited to welcome Westwood to the Swire Shipping family,” said James Woodrow, managing director, Swire Shipping. “Over the years, we have been looking at strengthening our presence around the Pacific and Westwood, with its excellent safety standards, high quality reputation, cargo handling abilities, and long-term customer relationships, emerged as a strong choice. We know that we will be building on Westwood’s sound business fundamentals, and we look forward to broadening our liner network.”

Jeremy Sutton, chief operating officer, Swire Shipping, said after the closing of the acquisition, Westwood will continue to provide its current services with its strong team of professionals in Japan, USA, Canada, Korea, and China. Senwa Maritime Agency, will also continue to serve as Westwood’s general agent in Japan, along also with Hyop Woon International, its long-term agent in Korea.

Jack Mahoney, president and CEO of Westwood, expressed that “the team at Westwood is delighted to join the Swire Group as part of Swire Shipping. The 150-year commitment to shipping is impressive, and it is matched by Swire Shipping’s commitment to build on that history to its customers’ advantage.” He added that “Westwood has enjoyed Sumitomo Warehouse’s supportive role in the transformation of these last couple years. Now we look forward to benefiting from Swire Shipping’s deep experience while continuing to protect our clients’ supply chains between northeast Asia and the Pacific northwest through our independent, reliable, and agile operation, which we underpin with personal service delivered locally.”

“We celebrate our 150th anniversary this year. As we celebrate our heritage and navigate our future, we are determined to grow Swire Shipping for the next lap; as an enduring brand and a sustainable business driven by innovation, market agility and a commitment to helping customers and partners to fulfil their supply chain needs,” said Mr Woodrow.

The acquisition is subject to regulatory approval and the satisfaction of customary closing conditions.

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