Spanish shipowner Boluda has continued to add to its fleet with the takeover of ice breaker owner Yxpila Hinaus-Bogsering (YHB) in Finland.
Boluda said the deal includes YHB’s six ships used in northern Europe.
Five of these are ice breakers, with a sixth used for harbour towage operations.
“This acquisition consolidates Boluda’s presence in northern Europe, taking another step forward in its expansion plans and entering the Scandinavian countries by providing coverage to its clients in the Gulf of Bothnia,” Boluda added.
Family owned YHB started operating 40 years ago in the port of Kokkola.
No price was given for the takeover.
Boluda will draw on the company’s specific knowledge of ice conditions with bases also in Vaasa, Raahe and Kemi.
The Spanish group’s president, Vicente Boluda, called this market complex, where the experience and expertise of crews are key to carry out towing and marine salvage operations in extreme conditions.
“In addition, we are opening the Scandinavian market, providing coverage to our customers in the northernmost part of the Baltic Sea,” he added.
Kokkola has grown significantly in the last decade, Boluda pointed out, becoming one of the largest logistics facilities in Finland with special relevance for the mining industry, as well as for dry bulk cargo, chemicals and timber.
Boluda has been expanding aggressively since 2023, buying six offshore vessels from France’s Les Abeilles in June, UK-based SMS Towage in May and Gibraltar’s Resolve Salvage in February.
AHTS fleet grows
Les Abeilles controls four anchor-handling tug supply vessels and two tugs, all French-flagged and built between 1999 and 2010. Three are operated by the French government.
The Boluda fleet already included feedermax container ships and a ferry.
YHB’s current owners are siblings Jani Hannula and Sari Ohtonen.
Their father, Mauri Hannula, joined the company in 1996 and made a long career at YHB, first as an employee and then as the owner.
In 2009, he sold the company to his children, who were both already working there at the time.
