Vroon Sells World’s Largest Independent Livestock Carrier Fleet to Heytesbury
Dutch shipping group Vroon has announced the sale of its livestock carrier business, Livestock Express, to the Australian agribusiness and shipping firm Heytesbury Group for an undisclosed sum. The transaction includes the transfer of 11 owned livestock carriers, the Singapore office, and third-party technical management services. This acquisition consolidates Heytesbury's position in the global livestock transport sector, adding to its existing asset, the Ocean Swagman. Vroon CEO Martijn Schouten stated that the divestment aligns with the company's strategic shift towards energy, liquids, infrastructure, and offshore wind sectors. He expressed confidence that the legacy and staff of Livestock Express are secure under Heytesbury's ownership. Heytesbury CEO Paul Holmes à Court emphasized that Livestock Express will continue to operate independently under its own brand, maintaining its global service network. The deal ensures continuity in the vital global protein trade, which supports food security for millions worldwide. This move marks a significant restructuring in the maritime livestock industry, transferring the world's largest independent fleet from a European operator to an Australian conglomerate.
Wire timeline
Vroon Sells World’s Largest Independent Livestock Carrier Fleet to Heytesbury
Dutch shipping group Vroon has announced the sale of its livestock carrier business, Livestock Express, to the Australian agribusiness and shipping firm Heytesbury Group for an undisclosed sum. The transaction includes the transfer of 11 owned livestock carriers, the Singapore office, and third-party technical management services. This acquisition consolidates Heytesbury's position in the global livestock transport sector, adding to its existing asset, the Ocean Swagman. Vroon CEO Martijn Schouten stated that the divestment aligns with the company's strategic shift towards energy, liquids, infrastructure, and offshore wind sectors. He expressed confidence that the legacy and staff of Livestock Express are secure under Heytesbury's ownership. Heytesbury CEO Paul Holmes à Court emphasized that Livestock Express will continue to operate independently under its own brand, maintaining its global service network. The deal ensures continuity in the vital global protein trade, which supports food security for millions worldwide. This move marks a significant restructuring in the maritime livestock industry, transferring the world's largest independent fleet from a European operator to an Australian conglomerate.
seatrademaritime