FDX Offshore is backed by the family office of Denis Nayden, the former Chairman & CEO of GE Capital. It is led by Managing Partner Jake Scott and Partner Andy Tuchman who will become Womar board members.
Womar commented that the purpose of the relationship is to build the best independent pool operator in the shipping industry. The partnership intends to both expand its chemical tanker pools, as well as initiate and grow independent pools in other classes of ships.
“Womar has had a long and very successful relationship with BW Group. BW has recently sold its chemical tanker fleet, and this transaction is a logical progression for Womar to grow as the best chemical pool operator under new ownership,” said Hans van der Zijde, Womar CEO. “We have already been having discussions with many shipowners who are excited about what we have to offer as an independent operator and with FDX’s expertise and resources. We look forward to continuing those discussions as well as engaging in new ones now that the news is out.”
FDX Offshore’s Scott said: “We are very excited to work with Hans and his team to continue to grow what we and others view as the world’s best-in-class chemical tanker pool platform. We believe FDX’s financial expertise combined with Womar’s excellence in pool management will allow us to expand the services provided to pool members, enhance their profitability and help pool members manage and grow their individual fleets.”
BW Group’s Billy Chiu added: “Hans has built an outstanding organisation, and we look forward to working with them for our remaining ships and however we can in the future.”
The entire Womar team will remain in place and provide a seamless ownership transition, the company explained.