Varamar takes plunge into ship ownership with four-vessel acquisition

The company, founded in 2009 by Alexander Varvarenko (pictured), has built its business around chartering and operating third-party tonnage across breakbulk, dry bulk, project cargo and heavylift trades. The latest move marks a strategic shift from its long-standing asset-light model.      The four 5,200 dwt vessels, acquired through separate transactions, are expected to be integrated into Varamar’s existing commercial network, which spans Europe, the Americas, Africa, the Middle East and Asia, between the end of 2026 and early 2027.      Varamar said the acquisitions would give it greater flexibility in serving customers while reducing its reliance on the increasingly volatile charter market.

The company has traditionally focused on transporting breakbulk, dry bulk and oversized cargoes but has expanded over the years into a broader shipping and logistics platform handling a wide range of cargo types and project movements.      Chief executive Varvarenko said ownership would allow the company to secure long-term capacity while supporting future growth plans.      The move comes as availability of modern MPP tonnage remains constrained and replacement orders for the ageing global fleet continue to lag demand. Market participants have increasingly highlighted a shortage of suitable vessels for project cargoes, heavylift shipments and industrial equipment movements.      The newly acquired vessels, which will operate under the commercial management of MPP Shipping, will form the nucleus of Varamar’s owned fleet, with the company indicating that further expansion opportunities may be considered as market conditions evolve.