News

ROLF SCS, the leading logistics business in Russia and part of the ROLF Group, Russia's leading automotive business and Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics (WWL), the leading independent provider of global factory-to-dealer transport logistics, have confirmed that they are in the final stages of discussions designed to establish a joint venture between their Baltic and Russian terminal 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, ROLF SCS and WWL will be able to provide international vehicle manufacturers with increased flexibility and choice in their options relating to the import of cars and RoRo cargo into Russia and neighbouring CIS countries.

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

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 Elite-Trans, signed exclusive contracts with ports in St. Petersburg (Petrol sport) and Anthodia (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 Naberezhnye Chelny.

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 both he car, high & heavy equipment and break bulk market segments.

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