Nakashima acquires majority stake in Becker Marine Systems

Japan’s Nakashima Propeller has acquired a majority shareholding in Hamburg-based Becker Marine Systems. Terms of the deal were not disclosed but the two companies have collaborated for more than 40 years, with Nakashima holding exclusive distribution rights for BMS products in Japan since 1978.

The companies will continue to trade with their own brands and between them, they will be able to offer unique optimised systems comprising energy-saving devices, propellers and rudders. Battery technology, developed by Becker Marine Systems, could also have applications in the sustainable operation of Nakashima thrusters.

The companies will be targeting both the new construction and existing ship markets, with many different types and sizes of ship in the frame. Although Nakashima has a strong presence in propellers for ultra large container ships, container ships of all sizes will provide potential applications, as well as LNG carriers, RoRo ships, ferries, tankers and bulk carriers.

Speaking at an online press conference, Becker Marine Systems’ managing director Dirk Lehmann commented: “This is perfect timing for joining forces with Nakashima as they are market leader for propellers and we are market leader in high-efficiency rudders and energy-saving devices.”

He mentioned that potential benefits could provide valuable assistance to ship operators as their ships are rated for efficiency against new benchmarks in the IMO’s Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI). President of the Japanese company, Takayoshi Nakashima, said: “Through this partnership, we will make a significant contribution to total optimisation for propulsive performance as well as manoeuvring performance during the entire lifecycle of the ship.”