West African development has been a sign enough for the German shipping and logistics major Harren Group to open its new office in the region. The company’s office in Lagos will he headed by managing director Paul Okpurughre. 

“The new office represents the entire Harren Group and serves as a basis for further business development in West Africa,” explains Paul Okpurughre, former Director Business Development and Operations (MEA) at SAL Heavy Lift. “We want to intensify the proximity to our customers and our business activities in the region.”

The group’s companies include the Jumbo-SAL-Alliance, Intermarine, Harren Bulkers, Harren Tankers, Atheleon and Combi Lift as their commercial agent.

West Africa represents about 30 percent of Africa’s total population. Nigeria has the largest economy in Africa, even ahead of South Africa. “Lagos is the perfect location for us – it’s a vibrant city and one of the main project and logistics capitals on the continent,” explains Martin Harren, CEO of the Harren Group. “The opening of the new office reflects our remarkably successful development in West Africa. We want to further expand our local position based on the existing, trustful relationships with our customers and partners.”

Jürgen Kuntz, Senior Manager Chartering & Projects and Head of Africa Chartering Desk at SAL Heavy Lift, emphasises, “Having our own office in Africa means a lot to our organisation. Currently, around three of our group’s ships sail to this region on a monthly basis. So it’s the next logical step to open an office there to be able to further develop our position. We see lots of opportunities for example in the energy and infrastructure segments.”

“There are also new opportunities for business beyond our existing heavy lift activities – for example in the tanker, bulker and renewable energy sectors,” Nils Aden, Managing Director of the Harren Group, said, adding that opening the Lagos office makes the group’s dedicated and personal services available to customers locally.