Inverlussa acquires majority stake in LCL Shipping
Inverlussa has acquires a majority stake in LCL Shipping, strengthening Inverlussa’s feed logistics operations and expanding its presence in Shetland.
The acquisition of a 60% shareholding in LCL Shipping Limited marks another significant step in the company’s long-term growth strategy and strengthens its position within Scotland’s aquaculture supply chain.
Based in Whalasy, Shetland, LCL Shipping is a well-established marine logistics business specialising in the transportation of aquaculture feed throughout Shetland.
Operating a fleet of three specialist feed vessels, the company provides feed deliveries to fish farms throughout Scotland. Inverlussa chartered the Havgull since 2016 and Havilah since 2020, delivering fish feed around the West Coast, while the Havara remained under LCL Shipping operations, servicing Shetland.
The company will continue to operate under the LCL Shipping name and will continue to operate from Shetland, with no changes to day-to-day operations or customer contacts.
LCL Shipping’s existing crew will remain in place, ensuring continuity of service for customers while benefiting from the additional operational support, resilience and investment that comes from being part of Inverlussa.
As part of the transaction, Inverlussa will assume full day-to-day management of the business, while Biomar Ltd, the Danish aquafeed group which co-owns LCL Shipping, will retain its 40% shareholding.
Operating since 1999, Inverlussa is one of Scotland’s leading shipping companies, providing professional support to the aquaculture industry. Based on the Isle of Mull, Argyll, it operates in well boats, moorings and grids, delicing, offshore renewables and fish feed delivery.
The acquisition expands Inverlussa’s feed logistics division, strengthens its presence in Shetland and adds a further three vessels to the Group’s owned fleet. While two of these vessels have already been operating under bareboat charter to Inverlussa, bringing LCL Shipping into the Group provides a stronger platform for future investment and growth, complementing Inverlussa’s existing marine services and strengthening the Group’s feed logistics operations across Scotland.
Ben Wilson, Managing Director of Inverlussa, said:
“LCL Shipping has built an excellent reputation over many years, and we are delighted to welcome the business into the Inverlussa Group.
“This acquisition is about investing for the long term. LCL has a highly experienced team, strong customer relationships and an excellent operational track record. We believe bringing our businesses together creates an even stronger platform to support Scotland’s aquaculture sector.
“Shetland is a hugely important part of the Scottish salmon industry, and this investment demonstrates our commitment to the islands and to providing customers with reliable, high-quality marine services for many years to come.”
The acquisition follows Inverlussa’s recent investment programme, including three new hybrid vessels currently under construction, which are due to enter service during 2027.
Following the acquisition, Inverlussa employs around 146 people and owns a fleet of 23 vessels, providing a wide range of marine services to the aquaculture industry across Scotland.