BERGEN, NORWAY | November 20, 2025 – In a strategic move set to re-shape global chemical tanker operations, Norwegian shipping giant Odfjell SE and Japan’s esteemed Nissen Kaiun Co., Ltd. have established a new joint venture, Odfjell Hakata Maritime AS, bringing together two of the industry’s most respected operators under one operational umbrella.
Launching from December 2025 and headquartered in Bergen, the joint venture represents a significant expansion of capacity, technical capability, and global reach at a time when chemical transportation is undergoing rapid transformation driven by efficiency demands and decarbonization goals.
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A Natural Evolution of a Long-Standing Partnership
The two companies—whose collaboration spans decades—now formalize their operational synergy in a shared entity that will manage an initial fleet of 10 stainless-steel chemical tankers. Each partner contributes five vessels, with nine already trading under Odfjell Tankers’ commercial management and a tenth expected to join the fleet in early December.
“This new JV marks another chapter in the long-standing partnership between Odfjell and Nissen Kaiun,” said Harald Fotland, CEO of Odfjell SE. “Nissen Kaiun controls a significant fleet of advanced chemical tankers, built to the highest quality and sustainability standards. With their contribution, we reinforce Odfjell’s position as one of the world’s leading and most energy-efficient chemical tanker operators.”
The move is poised to deliver a 12% increase in commercial trading days in 2026, underscoring the strategic importance of the joint venture to Odfjell’s wider fleet renewal and expansion roadmap.
A Modern Fleet Built for a Changing World
The vessels—fully stainless steel and engineered for complex chemical cargoes—will be integrated into Odfjell’s existing commercial platform and deployed across major deep-sea trade lanes. By leveraging the extensive trading network of Odfjell Tankers, the joint fleet will enhance service reliability and global coverage for charterers seeking safe, precise, and efficient chemical logistics.
Odfjell’s chartering arm will serve as commercial manager, ensuring seamless integration of the JV ships into the company’s operational ecosystem.
“The partnership comes amid growing demand for safe and efficient chemical transportation as we transition to lower-emission operations,” Fotland added. “We share a common goal of reducing the industry’s carbon footprint, and Japanese shipyards are frontrunners in energy-saving technology. Together, we strengthen our services while keeping decarbonization at the core.”
A Strategic Japan–Norway Alliance
For Nissen Kaiun—one of the world’s most prominent shipowners—this venture marks a deeper foray into collaborative fleet deployment within the specialized chemical tanker segment.
Based on Hakata Island in Ehime Prefecture, Nissen Kaiun operates a diversified fleet of over 200 vessels, from bulk carriers to sophisticated tankers. Its reputation for meticulous vessel design and close partnerships with Japanese shipyards complements Odfjell’s operational excellence and global chemical logistics footprint.
The combination of:
- Norwegian chemical tanker expertise,
- Japanese shipbuilding innovation, and
- shared commitments to safety and sustainability,
positions Odfjell Hakata Maritime AS as a formidable new player in the international chemical shipping landscape. to operating the most energy-efficient fleet in the deep-sea chemical tanker segment.
Odfjell Hakata Maritime AS will be established as a Norwegian entity, headquartered in Bergen, Norway, and scheduled to commence full operations in December 2025.
A Strengthened Platform for a Decarbonizing Maritime Industry
The timing of the JV is noteworthy. As global chemical trades grow more complex and customers demand transparency, efficiency, and reduced emissions, carriers are pressed to modernize fleets and adopt forward-leaning sustainability strategies.
Both companies emphasized that this partnership is not merely commercial—it aligns with long-term environmental ambitions. With the maritime industry targeting net-zero pathways, efficient stainless-steel chemical tankers offer a competitive advantage in fuel consumption, operational flexibility, and environmental compliance.
About Nissen Kaiun Co., Ltd.
Headquartered on Hakata Island in Ehime Prefecture, Japan, Nissen Kaiun Co., Ltd. is one of the world’s leading shipowners, operating a diverse fleet of more than 200 vessels. Widely recognized for its modern fleet and commitment to quality and energy-saving technology, the company maintains strong, long-standing partnerships with charterers and shipyards across the globe. Nissen Kaiun plays a pivotal role in advancing Japan’s maritime industry.
About Odfjell SE
Established in 1914 and headquartered in Bergen, Norway, Odfjell SE is a global market leader in the seaborne transportation and storage of chemicals and other specialized bulk liquids. Operating a highly sophisticated fleet of approximately 70 vessels and four terminals worldwide, Odfjell pioneered the chemical tanker trade and remains committed to safe, efficient, and sustainable logistics. The Odfjell Group coordinates the transport and storage of over 500 different chemicals, driving industries globally.
A New Chapter for Global Chemical Shipping
With the establishment of Odfjell Hakata Maritime AS, two maritime powerhouses have signaled their intent not just to grow, but to set new standards in efficiency, sustainability, and global chemical transportation.
As operations begin and new vessels join the fleet, the JV is expected to become a central node in the worldwide movement of essential chemical cargoes—carrying forward over a century of Norwegian ship management heritage and Japanese maritime excellence, united under one banner in Bergen.
Source: Odfjell SE