Clipper Group
Clipper Group is a private, family-owned shipping company specializing in global dry bulk shipping, especially within the handysize and supramax segments. Its primary business entity, Clipper Bulk, has established a reputation for reliability, efficiency, and timely delivery of a diverse range of dry cargo, including grain, fertilizer, coal, steel products, pipes, and logs.
Industry | Shipping |
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Founded | 1991 |
Founder | Torben Gülnar Jensen |
Headquarters | Copenhagen, Denmark & Nassau, Bahamas |
Key people | Frank G Jensen - Chairman & Partner, Amrit Peter Kalsi - Group CEO, and Henrik Kvist-Jacobsen - Group CFO. |
Services | Bulk |
Website | www.clipper-group.com |
Established in 1991 by Torben Gülnar Jensen, Clipper Group emerged as a spin off from Armada Shipping A/S, which was initially founded in 1972. The name “Clipper” represents the swift and agile tea clippers from the 19th century, symbolizing Clipper’s commitment to speed and efficiency in maritime transportation.
With four main offices worldwide – Houston, Copenhagen, Cape Town, and Hong Kong – Clipper maintains a global presence, ensuring seamless customer service through well-staffed commercial departments encompassing chartering and operations management.
Clipper celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2022, marking a significant milestone in its remarkable journey. With half a century of experience, Clipper has solidified its position as a trusted and accomplished player in the maritime industry.
Despite the dynamic nature of the shipping industry, Clipper remains rooted in the core values established by founder Torben Gülnar Jensen: Dependable – Innovative – Dynamic – Hands-on. The company’s management team consists of Amrit Peter Kalsi as Group CEO, Henrik Kvist-Jacobsen as CFO, and Thomas Martinussen as Senior Vice President & Head of Legal and Corporate Affairs.
2008 CEC Future hijacking
On 7 November 2008, a group of armed pirates hijacked a Clipper-owned vessel, the CEC Future, off the northern coast of Somalia. [1] The ship's crew of thirteen was held hostage for 71 days and finally released on 16 January 2009, following negotiations by CEO Per Gullestrup who orchestrated a ransom payment of $1.7 million.
This incident subsequently became the inspiration for the Danish movie, A Hijacking which was released in 2012.[2]
Subsidiaries
Current
- Danske Færger (50% joint venture)
- Greystone Capital
Former
- Seatruck Ferries, purchased 2002, sold 2022[3]
Career
Clipper Group offers a two-year Shipping Trainee Program in Copenhagen, in cooperation with the Danish Shipowners' Association (Danish Shipping Academy), as well as an internship with Copenhagen Business School.
References
- Somali Pirates Free Danish Ship, CEC Future, After Ransom Dropped By Parachute Huffington Post, January 2009
- Ronald C. Machen Jr. (2011-04-07). "Somali Sentenced to 25-Year Prison Term For Armed Piracy In Attack on Merchant Ship" (PDF) (Press release). Washington, D.C. U.S. Department of Justice. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2011-05-28. Retrieved 2014-04-26.
- Ownership change for Seatruck Ferries Ships Monthly November 2022 page 10