Hot on the heels of the recent launch of its ‘Europe – Middle East/India – Asia Monthly Liner Service’, award-winning multipurpose heavy-lift carrier AAL has appointed Genovese shipping firm, Hugo Trumpy Srl, to be its exclusive commercial agency representative in Italy. Established in 1876, Hugo Trumpy is one of the region’s oldest maritime groups, with valuable experience in the breakbulk and project heavy-lift sector.
Eike Muentz, AAL’s European General Manager, explained: "Italy is a strong market for breakbulk and project cargo and well served by our new Europe to Asia liner service and tramp chartering options east- and west-bound through the region. However, after considering possible commercial conflicts of interest going forward, AAL and our existing representatives, the Gastaldi Group, have made a joint decision to terminate our agreement."
He added: "We thank Gastaldi for their cooperation and now focus on our immediate future in the region which we have placed into the safe hands of Hugo Trumpy. The Agency has an excellent shipping pedigree; knows the sector we serve extremely well and is aligned with AAL’s commercial ambitions for the Italian market."
Davide Zingariello joins the Genoa team as AAL’s Owners' Representative and brings with him 27 years maritime experience in and around the Italian Port – 14 of which were gained working with heavy-lift ships and multipurpose cargo handling. He commented: "With AAL’s scheduled and regular sailings from Italy, we have a great opportunity to build an even stronger presence and broader cargo base within the local shipping community."
Valdemar Boesgaard, CEO at Hugo Trumpy, concluded: "We are honored to represent AAL and will combine their long-standing experience in transporting heavy-lift project cargo and operating successful liner operations with our own knowledge of the Italian market and its demands. Together we will no doubt build a regular presence in the territory and become an important and reliable team in the field."
