Our history
In 1968, Norway’s Kristian Gerhard Jebsen established Gearbulk with three partners: S.A. Louis Dreyfus & Cie of France, its British subsidiary, Buries Markes Ltd and A/S J. Mowinckels Rederi, also of Norway.
It has now evolved into the world’s largest fleet of open hatch gantry crane and semi-open jib crane vessels and still works to the same high standards, setting the benchmark for worldwide ocean transportation services, especially for unitised cargoes, that are competitive, innovative and add value for the customer.
1968
Gearbulk established.
1969
Delivery of first two of Gearbulk’s 1st Generation newbuildings, Alain LD and Robert LD from Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard.
1974
Delivery of first of 12 2nd Generation OHGC, Kiwi Arrow from Mitsui Shipbuilding & Engineering Co. Ltd, Osaka.
1977
The first of nine floating cement processing terminals comes into operation. By 1982 they were handling 8.5 million tonnes per year, mainly in the Middle East.
Delivery of first of 16 3rd Generation OHGC, Falcon Arrow from Mitsui Shipbuilding & Engineering Co. Ltd, Chiba.
1984
Delivery of first 4th Generation OHGC, Heina, from Sanoyasu, Mizushima.
1987
After 10 years in operation and having processed 45 million tonnes, declining demand for cement prompts Gearbulk to diversify its floating terminal operations to fertiliser, grain, rice and metal concentrates.
1991
The company is incorporated in Bermuda as Gearbulk Holding Ltd.
The Kristian Gerhard Jebsen family acquires its partners’ vessels and shares. Mitsui O.S.K. Lines takes a 25% share of the reorganised Gearbulk, and then increases its share to 40%.
Delivery of first of three TEFC, Grouse Arrow, from Mitsui Shipbuilding & Engineering Co. Ltd, Tamano.
1992
Gearbulk diversifies into shore terminals. The first of several terminals is established in a joint venture in Sinor Terminal, Port of Tianjin.
1994
Gearbulk enters the liquid pitch business with Alouette Arrow on the North West Europe to St. Lawrence trade.
1995
Gearbulk receives its first certification to the ISO 9002 quality standard.
1996
Delivery of first of five Fleximax, Pine Arrow, from Stocznia Gdansk Shipyard.
1997
Delivery of first of nine 5th Generation OHGC, Toucan Arrow from Dalian New Shipyard.
1998
Rhone is the first Gearbulk vessel to have retrofit hold tanks fitted to carry frozen concentrated orange juice.
2009
Mitsui O.S.K. Lines increases its shareholding from 40% to 49%.
2010
The Jebsen family restructures ownership of its business interests and Kristian Jebsen takes control of the family shares in Gearbulk.
2011
Gearbulk Norway AS established to assume technical management of the Gearbulk owned fleet. Gearbulk receives its first certification to the ISO 14001 environmental standard.
2012
Gearbulk office established in Manila. Delivery of the first of four Fleximax III, Raven Arrow from Mitsui Shipbuilding & Engineering Co. Ltd, Chiba.
2013
Delivery of the first of four Fleximax III, Japin Arrow from Oshima Shipbuilding.
2014
Fleet gain ISO14001 environmental certification.
Delivery of ten ships in total; three Fleximax III (Macaw Arrow, Tanchou Arrow and Siskin Arrow), one Flex II ECO (Lawin Arrow), three OSY56 (Matsu Arrow, Buna Arrow and Biwa Arrow), two NACKS60 (Acer Arrow and Betula Arrow) and one conventional bulk carrier (Bulk Aquila).
2015
Delivery of eight ships in total; three Fleximax III (Macaw Arrow, Tanchou Arrow and Siskin Arrow), one Flex II ECO (Lawin Arrow), three OSY56 (Matsu Arrow, Buna Arrow and Biwa Arrow), two NACKS60 (Acer Arrow and Betula Arrow) and one conventional bulk carrier (Bulk Aquila). Tragic loss of Bulk Jupiter.
2016
Delivery of two ships in total for the conventional fleet; Bulk Aries and Bulk Carina.
Gearbulk signs Memorandum of Understanding with Grieg Star for formation of a new company to run both fleets commercially and operationally.
2017
Establishes G2 Ocean with Grieg Star on 1st May 2017 with the commitment of 33 owned vessels and all Long Term time charter (LTTC) vessels into its pool of vessels.
Delivery of two ships in total for the conventional fleet; Bulk Venus and Bulk Polaris.
2018
Gearbulk Norway achieves ISO 4001:2015 in January.
Implements new Plastics Policy across the organisation 12th of June 2018 aiming to reduce the need and use of plastics, improve recycling and create awareness amongst its employees, suppliers and customers.
Establishes High Heat Tankers PTE Ltd. with Puma Energy on 15th of July 2018 with the commitment of 4 owned vessels into its pool of high heat, liquid pitch, bitumen and asphalt carriers.
Gearbulk celebrates its 50th anniversary on 31st August.
2019
Renewed ISO 14001:2015 certification
Rakiura Maru, CHL Progressor and CHL Innovator were re-delivered to owners
Toucan Arrow sold to GBSMT
Momi Arrow purchased from LTC owners
2020
Hawk Arrow sold for recycling
Ibis Arrow sold to GBSMT
