Our Heritage

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A story of Incremental Entrepreneurship

1977

Founded by Torben Christensen in 1977, Copenhagen Merchants has grown into one of the world’s largest independent agri-commodity brokers, while also expanding into various other areas within the sector.

From the start, the company recognized the value of developing in-house vessel chartering expertise to effectively navigate dynamic market opportunities.

Over the years, Copenhagen Merchants broadened its capabilities, establishing a competitive chartering desk, ship management services, and ship agency operations. In 2021, this growth journey took a significant step forward with the creation of Navi Merchants as a separate entity, continuing a legacy of entrepreneurial evolution.

It's still Family-owned

Today´s CEO & Majority Owner of Copenhagen Merchants Group, Simon Rodian Christensen, together with his father and founder of Copenhagen Merchants, Torben Christensen.

The steps we have taken

In-house Broker

The journey began in 1977 with freight brokering for Copenhagen Merchants.

Freight Provider

Freight services were later expanded to support the brokerage, offering a dedicated solution for in-house needs.

Extended Broker

Freight solutions then extended to other in-house areas, including what would eventually become CM Biomass.

TC

As the risk profile evolved, freight services began to meet both internal and external demand.

Vessel Pool

Navi Merchants became a co-owner of a larger pool of vessels, enhancing operational capacity.

Vessel Owner

In 2024, Navi Merchants acquired its first vessel, the NM Copenhagen (Built 2010 / DWAT 6,050 mt).

Vessel Owner - Newbuilds

In 2026, Navi Merchants will take delivery of the first of six new multi-purpose vessels, marking the beginning of a new growth phase.

A company within

Copenhagen Merchants Group

Navi Merchants is owned by and operates as part of the Copenhagen Merchants Group.

Originally focused on brokerage, the Group has evolved into a diverse company specializing in:

  • Brokerage

  • Shipping

  • Terminals & Logistics

  • Plant-based proteins

  • Digital solutions

The Group includes several other companies, such as Copenhagen Merchants, CM Navigator, Aarhus Protein, and Schultz Shipping, each contributing to a comprehensive range of services across the industry.

Explore Copenhagen Merchants Group