2 minute read | July.01.2025
Centerline Logistics has agreed to be acquired by a fund managed by Maritime Partners, a leading provider of maritime financing solutions.
Orrick represented Centerline Logistics.
Centerline Logistics is a leading marine transportation company and vital component of the United States' energy and shipping supply chain, operating along the U.S. West, East and Gulf Coasts, including Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico. Centerline specializes in transporting and storing petroleum products, providing ship assist and escort services, and handling general cargo and rescue towing.
Maritime Partners is a leading provider of maritime financing solutions, specializing in vessels that are used in the domestic Jones Act trade. With a managed fleet of approximately 1,800 vessels in service, they offer tailored leasing services to operators across the full spectrum of credit quality, providing the assets that transport the commodities that represent the primary building blocks of the domestic economy, including agricultural products, chemicals, aggregates, crude oil, and refined petroleum products.
"We want to invest in high-quality assets, companies and teams over the long run," said Bick Brooks, co-founder and CEO of Maritime Partners. "Centerline's impressive growth, long-term customer relationships, and talented team reflect the sort of demonstrated track record that is essential for a long-term partnership."
"This acquisition represents a strategic opportunity, and we will seek to unlock significant value under Maritime Partners' ownership," added Brooks. "Maritime Partners will bring deep maritime sector expertise and capital resources to Centerline, while Centerline will contribute proven operational excellence that we believe will serve to drive innovation and expand our capabilities in the Jones Act maritime sector. We also want to thank our predecessor ownership group for their strategic vision and professional partnership throughout this process."
"Along with our outstanding partners at Macquarie Capital, we have supported Centerline's transformative acquisitions and expansion in recent years," said Centerline board member Steve Kadenacy. "We are proud of Centerline's unwavering commitment to safety, excellence and operational performance under our stewardship. Macquarie Capital's strategic vision and collaborative approach have been instrumental in driving Centerline's progress. We are confident that Maritime Partners is the ideal partner to continue this culture of excellence."
Leah Sanzari and David Schwartz led the team that advised Centerline Logistics. The team also included Elizabeth Elias, Jamie Kamen Baroff, Catherine Conners, Dean Corrado, Samantha Caluori, Craig Falls, John Narducci, Amy Ray, Daniel Patrick Kearney, Romina Monetllano Yoerg, Taylor Ball, David Sharrow, Bart Kempf, Gaelyn Sharp, Matthew Coleman, Jason Flaherty, Keith Tidwell, Millay Kogan, Kyle Holt, Benjamin Schnier and John Stephens.
The Orrick team has advised Centerline on several previous significant transactions, including the $425 million refinancing of its outstanding debt (a Marine Money Jones Act “Deal of the Year”), the acquisition of Saltchuk Marine Services’ California ship refueling business, and its inaugural $455 million whole business securitization.