Swedish Shipping Groups Log On Together for Scandinavian Forestry Product Shipments

SWEDEN – EUROPE – Wallenius Lines and Swedish Orient Lines (SOL), have formed a joint shipping company, Wallenius SOL, which will transport forestry products and other goods in a network covering the Gulf of Bothnia, the Baltic Sea and the North Sea. The two Swedish shipping companies say that it is an investment to strengthen the transport infrastructure for the needs of Finnish and Swedish industry. Ragnar Johansson, Managing Director Wallenius SOL, said:

“Together we can offer a strong mix of experience and competence, which can support a growing forest industry. Wallenius has experience from industrial shipping, ship owning, ship building and ship management. SOL brings the competence of logistics from forest industry and other types of cargo in this geographical area.”

Wallenius SOL will have service in the region around the Baltic Sea including Gulf of Bothnia, operating from five ports with regular calls to the European continent and the UK. Wallenius SOL hopes to offer cost-efficient, operationally efficient and sustainable transports to the forest industry and other customers. The first customers to sign long-term agreements are Stora Enso and Metsä Board. Knut Hansen, SVP Logistics Global, Stora Enso, commented:

“We rely on efficient and sustainable transports for our products. The partnership with Wallenius SOL will enhance our opportunities to compete globally, while at the same time the new vessels will reduce environmental impact.”

Specially designed vessels built to Finnish/Swedish ice class 1A Super will look to ensure year-round service in the Gulf of Bothnia. The fleet in service in the Baltic Sea will initially consist of five vessels. Up to four new vessels have been ordered and delivery of the new LNG-powered vessels are planned for 2021.

Photo: Artists impression of a new LNG powered, ice class timber carrier.