Seatrade has acquired a strategic participation in Harlingen-based JR Shipping Group, becoming a long-term partner in the Dutch shipping company, reports Dubai's Shipping Herald.

JR Shipping Group said founders Jan Reier Arends and Sander Schakelaar will remain shareholders and board members, continuing to lead the company. The group will retain its independent management and identity.

Seatrade, based in the Dutch Caribbean colony of Curacao, brings maritime expertise, global financing access and investment capacity to the partnership. The deal aims to strengthen JR Shipping Group's position in container feeders, short sea dry cargo and offshore service vessels, with a focus on next-generation shipbuilding.

Seatrade chief executive Yntze Buitenwerf said the company sought diversification and found JR Shipping's three segments attractive. He highlighted offshore wind support vessels as new ground, while short sea dry cargo was familiar territory. He said feeder vessels complement Seatrade's reefer-container fleet of 1,800 and 2,800 TEU ships.

The partnership marks a new phase for JR Shipping Group, which plans to expand its fleet and develop ECO vessel concepts. Two 8,500-dwt ECO dry cargo ships are under construction in India for delivery in 2027 and 2028. The group is also developing ECO Flex Feeder designs in the 1,000-1,500 TEU range for Europe.

Mr Arends said the partnership provides strength and scale for the next stage of growth, while Mr Schakelaar added that Seatrade's knowledge and financing capabilities will create new opportunities. Both stressed the alignment of values and long-term objectives between the companies.