The appointment follows the decision by the Danish AP Moller-Maersk Group to establish the Antwerp-based Safmarine MPV as an independent business unit with its own, separate agency network. Safmarine MPV is leaving the Maersk Line/Safmarine agency network, which will continue to represent the AP Moller-Maersk Group’s Container Business.

Explains Jorg Knuttel, Managing Director of Safmarine MPV:

“The liner and sales network of Maersk Line and Safmarine Container Lines is very successfully geared towards the container business. Handling of project and break bulk cargoes and multi-purpose vessels, however, requires a different approach and it was decided that this was best delivered through an independent agency network dedicated to our business.

“The decision to establish a separate agency network also has the further advantage of allowing the Maersk Line and Safmarine liner agencies to continue focusing on the container business, while Safmarine MPV focuses on project and break bulk cargoes.

“A separate, dedicated agency structure will also assist Safmarine MPV in providing the best service to its customers, while allowing the MPV operation to reach its full potential.”

Commenting on the appointment of Norton Lilly International, Jorg Knuttel said: “We’re confident that in Norton Lilly International we have found the right partner to further grow our presence and meet the growing requirements of our business in the United States.”

Norton Lilly, with its headquarters in Mobile, Alabama, is one of the leading independent US shipping agents offering recognized know-how in the management of ship capacity of all types.

“We are honored and excited about the opportunity to represent Safmarine MPV in the US market as of February 2013,” said Bobby Wein, Vice President of Norton Lilly International.

Deploying a dedicated fleet of multipurpose vessels, Safmarine MPV connects the US, Europe and South Africa with the main oil and gas ports along the West Africa coastline. Its specialized multipurpose vessels are purpose-built to carry project and break bulk cargoes and are also able to load containers.

The transition of Safmarine MPV, which continues to enjoy the full support of its shareholder, the AP Moller-Maersk Group, is scheduled to be completed by the end of the first quarter of 2013.