Germany-based Harren Group, a provider of shipping and logistics services, has opened its first African office in Nigeria. The office is located in Lagos, Nigeria’s largest city and is led managing director Paul Okpurughre.

Okpurughre commented on the opening: “The new office represents the entire Harren Group and serves as a basis for further business development in West Africa. We want to intensify the proximity to our customers and our business activities in the region.”

Harren Group’s chief executive officer further explained in a company press release: “Lagos is the perfect location for us – it’s a vibrant city and one of the main project and logistics capitals on the continent. The opening of the new office reflects our remarkably successful development in West Africa. We want to further expand our local position based on the existing, trustful relationships with our customers and partners.”

The company is seeking potential opportunities beyond its existing lift activities and plans to develop its operations in the energy and infrastructure segments. Harren Group currently has 22 offices globally and employs 400 staff onshore and a further 3,000 at sea.