History

Established in 1951 by Ole Skaarup, Skaarup Shipping expanded rapidly from ship brokerage to ship owning, ship management, ship design, and every service associated with ocean transportation.

Characterized by the legendary design by Mr. Skaarup of the first modern bulk carrier, and the ocean-going self-unloader, the strength of Skaarup Shipping lies in its ability to create innovative and economic solutions to ever-changing transportation requirements.

The company’s goal is to meet the most demanding of its clients’ specific needs in an increasingly competitive world.

The customer is never wrong.” – Cesar Ritz

M/V Cassiopeia

Dating back to the late 1950’s, Skaarup Shipping Corporation spearheaded business ventures in Hong Kong and Taiwan by setting up offices and employing Chinese crews. These ventures later spread into mainland China, where Skaarup Shipping Corporation founded a training school for officers in Fuzhou. Skaarup’s long-term engagements in China have not only produced well-trained crews, but also have spawned reliable relationships with prominent partners.

M/V Melvin H Baker at berth on the Hudson River

In 1956 Skaarup designed the first ocean-going self-unloading ship designed for National Gypsum Company’s ocean transportation requirements along the east coast of the USA and Canada. The ship was constructed in Germany by A.G. Weser and was named Melvin H. Baker in honor of the founder of National Gypsum.

The Melvin H. Baker left active service in the Far East in late 2009 when she was scrapped at age 53!  The Skaarup fleet of self-unloading ships in the U.S. gypsum trade was expanded to six ships.

M/V Melvin H Baker self-discharging her cargo.

Plans for the M/V Melvin H Baker