Eimskip celebrated its 110th anniversary at the beginning of the year 2024. Since its establishment, the Company has been interwoven the history of the Icelandic nation and carried an important societal role throughout its existence. During Iceland’s campaign for independence, Eimskip played a principal part, not the least because an independent island nation needs to be able to employ its own measures when it comes to the transportation of goods, which is the foundation for international trade.  Reliable liner service in the North Atlantic, based on strong infrastructure and experienced employees, is the core foundation for our valuable export goods reaching the foreign markets swiftly and safely. At the same time, Icelanders are able to enjoy imported fresh foods that were unavailable to us in earlier times. We now consume fruit and vegetables imported with speed and under the prime conditions and handling that only refrigerated container transportation can provide. The extensive international freight-forwarding network that Eimskip has built in the recent decades has furthermore expanded the Company’s product range, and provides customers with comprehensive freight solutions worldwide.

We live in an ever-changing world whose tides ebb and flow. A shipping company operating in the rough sea of the North Atlantic is not left untouched by the powers of nature, and is quite literally affected each day. Our long history is a tapestry of success and setbacks, however despite vicissitudes, results are predominantly beneficial to all. Increasing customer demand for speed and customised services, along with the digitalization of the fourth industrial revolution, encourage us even further in the quest for digital transformation that has been a signature theme in our strategy in the recent years. Sustainability has an ever-growing presence in the operation of companies. Eimskip has set ambitious goals in this regards, goals which will require ample investment in the coming years, not the least when it comes to the renewal of our vessel fleet. 

The market for talented employees is progressively competitive, and we know that in order to attract and keep competent workforce we need to offer a desirable workplace and vast opportunities for learning, development, and empowerment for our employees. At the same time, it is clear that the Company’s performance needs to be adequate so as to fulfil the financial commitments necessary to meet the demands of shareholders, employees, and customers. Therefore, we allow ourselves to be conservative in our base operation, where active cost control and rationality guide us in daily decision-making.

Through the years, Eimskip has become an increasingly international company. Earnings based on geographically dispersed locations bring strength to the Company. The Company’s home market is now defined by an area that reaches from Northern Norway to the Faroe Islands, Iceland, Greenland, Newfoundland, and the New England area on the East Coast of the United States. This market area suits us well. Common aspects that these regions share are: prosperity, high levels of education, a rich fishing heritage, and economies driven by export and import.

Eimskip captures the opposites of the old and the new, the progressive and the conservative. We understand the importance of maintaining the old and trusted, the rich heritage of the Company, while at the same time remaining brave, original and bold.  We do not consider these qualities as opposites, but rather as forces that need to be utilised in harmony. That way, we will achieve the greatest results.

Icelandic industry, Icelandic society, and Eimskip have been steadfast companions for 110 years. We hope that we may have the good fortune to continue this remarkable journey for the years to come.