This page is sponsored by Ethiopian Shipping Lines S.C.

The Ethiopian Shipping Lines was established on 10 March 1964 under the agreement of the Imperial Ethiopian Government and Taurus Investment Inc.  which was headquartered in Washington DC, USA. According to the agreement, Ethiopian Shipping Lines was established in Ethiopia with an initial capital of 50,000 Ethiopian Birr, subsequently to be raised to 3,750,000 Ethiopian Birr. Taurus Investment Inc. agreed to subscribe to 51% of the required capital designating two directors. The Ethiopian Government underwrote the remaining 49% of the required capital designating also two directors.

The Ethiopian Shipping Lines Share Company was again established under the decree of Council of Ministers Regulation No.196/1994 - the authorized capital of the Company being 122,000,000 of which 81,867.00 was paid up in cash and in kind. The main purpose of the establishment of the Company is to render coastal and international marine transport service and to engage in other related activities necessary for the attainment of its purposes. Although the Supervising Authority for the Company is Ethiopian Privatization and Public Enterprise Agency, its Board of Directors is entrusted with the duty to decide on and direct the Company's policy and related matters. The Managing Director, appointed by the Board of Directors, is the Chief Executive responsible for planning and executing the policies and management of the Company. The Management and Operation of the Company is conducted on a purely commercial basis with full management and operational autonomy.

Note: The Ethiopian Shipping Lines SC has merged with two other state owned institutions, Maritime Transit Services Enterprise and Ethiopian Dry Ports Enterprise, to form Ethiopian Shipping and Logistics Enterprise in late 2011.