HES International, a prominent European operator of seaport bulk terminals, has announced the completion of the sale of its 70 percent shareholding in Somef, an inland terminal in Belgium. The buyer, Shipit, is a leading Belgian waterway transportation company renowned for offering innovative solutions beyond traditional transportation operations. The financial terms of the transaction remain undisclosed.

This divestment marks the conclusion of a series of inland terminal sales by HES, including the recent sale of Deschieter and DHUG in 2023. These actions align with HES’s strategic focus on strengthening its infrastructure across Europe’s gateway seaports, which connect to industrial hinterlands.

Jeroen van der Neut, chief operating officer at HES International, expressed gratitude to the Somef team for their contributions and commitment during the transition. “We extend our deepest gratitude to the management and talented team at Somef for their exceptional contributions to HES and their unwavering dedication throughout this transition,” he stated.

For Shipit, the acquisition of Somef represents a pivotal move in its strategic growth plans. Jan D’Haeyer and Bernard Boel, managing directors of Shipit, highlighted the benefits of the transaction: “We are delighted to bring Somef into the Shipit family. This acquisition is a perfect fit for our growth ambitions, offering strategic advantages and enabling us to deliver enhanced value and a diversified service offering to our customers.”

Somef will maintain its operations as before, ensuring continuity for both its customers and employees. HES International and Shipit remain committed to facilitating a seamless transition while creating value for all stakeholders involved.

For more information visit www.hesinternational.eu