WALLENIUS WILHELMSEN LOGISTICS, an independent provider of global factory-to-dealer transport logistics, and ROLF SCS, a logistics business in Russia and part of the ROLF Group, have confirmed that they are in the final stages of talks designed to establish a joint venture involving their Baltic and Russian terminal activities.

The joint venture will operate the auto and ro-ro terminals in Kotka in Finland, Petrolesport port in St Petersburg and Vostochny in Far East Russia, which constitute principal ports into Russia.

Stephen Fletcher, ROLF group board member responsible for supply chain platform, said: "This is an important announcement that further reinforces ROLF SCS's market position and which will offer the market a stronger portfolio of best-in-class logistics services into the Russian market. This has immediate as well as longer term significance."

Through this joint venture, WWL and ROLF SCS expect to be able to provide international vehicle manufacturers with increased flexibility and choice in their options for the import of cars and ro-ro cargo into Russia and neighbouring CIS countries, a joint company statement said.

Said Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics European CEO Anders Boman: "This joint venture is a milestone in developing our presence in Russia. Despite the recent downturn, we believe in this market for the long term. I am happy that we now through our cooperation with ROLF SCS can offer customers our entire supply chain portfolio for the Russia and CIS market: ocean services, terminal and technical services, inland transport and supply chain management."

WWL and ROLF SCS provide vehicle logistics in the Baltic and Russia for many of the world's major vehicle manufacturers.

Source: shipping online