A new contract to supply ships services to one of the world's largest chemical transportation fleets, Jo Tankers, has strengthened Wilhelmsen Ships Service's port coverage for the customer in the USA.' Wilhelmsen Ships Service (WSS) has been contracted to provide services in the ports of Houston, Freeport and New York by Jo Tankers, which is in addition to the current port calls handled in New Orleans and Philadelphia.' The additional ports will bring Wilhelmsen Ships Service nearly 100 new port calls per year for the region.

Jo Tankers is a leading provider of deep-sea transportation services, not just for chemicals, but also for other high-value liquids such as petroleum products and edible oils.

Wilhelmsen Ships Service was first awarded the Jo Tankers account in New Orleans in 2001 and since then the company has built a solid foundation and relationship with Jo Tankers, with a proven business model for servicing this account.' This business model will be carried over into Houston, Jo Tankers' major port, as well as the other ports to achieve the same level of success.' The connection and personal relationship between Jo Tankers and WSS is very strong and runs deep.' Soon after Hurricane Katrina devastated the city of New Orleans in August 2005, where nearly every Wilhelmsen Ships Service employee lost their homes and was displaced, Jo Tankers contributed a sizeable donation to the New Orleans staff. This act of generosity speaks volumes about Jo Tankers, and goes far beyond the ordinary owner/agent relationship.

It is expected that this new business will build on the sound existing relationship and partnership between the two companies.

Wilhelmsen Ships Service supplies Unitor marine products, Nafleet marine chemicals, technical services, ships agency services and maritime logistics.