Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics, the leading independent provider of global factory-to-dealer transport logistics and ROLF SCS, the leading logistics business in Russia and part of the ROLF Group, Russia's leading automotive business, have confirmed that they are in the final stages of discussions designed to establish a joint venture between their Baltic and Russian terminals activities.

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

Through this joint venture, WWL and ROLF SCS will'be able to provide international vehicle manufacturers with increased flexibility and choice in their options for the import of cars and RoRo cargo into Russia and neighbouring CIS countries.

Anders Boman, CEO, Region Europe, Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics commented: "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.'

Stephen Fletcher, ROLF Group Board Member responsible for Supply Chain Platform, commenting on the new joint venture, 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.'

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

WWL has been operating in Russia since 2003, establishing a branch office in St Petersburg in 2009. In January 2009 the company made its first call at the port of St Petersburg, establishing a transshipment service for high and heavy RoRo cargoes from the Americas and Asia. The company sees terminals as a vital link in global supply chains, ensuring smooth transit between the ocean and inland legs as well as offering customers value adding services. Including the joint venture, WWL operates a global network of 13 terminals. In addition to these the company operates more than 40 technical services facilities for the car, high & heavy equipment and break bulk market segments.


ROLF SCS in one of Russia's leading providers of finished vehicle and spare parts logistics services to the automotive industry. ROLF SCS has an on-going infrastructure investment programme to ensure that it can offer every service that global automakers, distributors and regional dealers may require when developing their business supply chains. In addition to investments in land for vehicle storage, technical services facilities, transporters and warehousing it has acquired the St. Petersburg business Elit-Trans, signed exclusive contracts with ports in St. Petersburg (Petrolseport) and Nakhodka (Vostochny port in Far East), and has opened its first specialized automotive warehouse. ROLF SCS is developing its regional presence and has opened a distribution hub in St. Petersburg, as well as its first regional terminal in Naberazhnye Chelny.

WWL brings to the joint company its terminal in Kotka, Finland and ROLF brings its activities in Petrolesport port in St. Petersburg and the Vostochny terminal in Nakhodka. The joint venture is subject to the agreement of the respective Boards of Directors and is expected to close in the last quarter of this year.