WWL, Baltimore Port to Work Together for Three More Decades

Norwegian maritime industry group Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics (WWL) and the Maryland Port Administration signed an agreement yesterday to continue their cooperation for another three decades.

The agreement is expected to bring an increase in roll-on, roll-off cargo capacity at the US West Coast port of Baltimore, which already holds the record of 792,000 cars handled in 2014, more than any other US port, and a total of some 861,000 tons of roll-on, roll-off cargo in 2014.

Starting in January 2016, Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics expects to increase the frequency and capacity on the company’s service on the Atlantic Ocean, by offering a regular weekly service from key ports in Europe to the West Coast in the US.

“Doubling the frequency and capacity for its Europe to U.S. West Coast service allows WWL to lead the market—by offering an unmatched frequency and reliability to effectively accommodate the growing needs of heavy equipment and breakbulk shippers and, in particular, demand by car manufacturers,” says Flavio Batista, EVP and Head of Commercial for EMEA at WWL.

WWL said that it will deploy its 200 tonne capacity RoRo ships, and, once the new locks debut on the Panama Canal, it will introduce the Post-Panamax HERO class of vessels to the Americas trade markets.

Under this agreement, Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics will serve the port through 2045.

The company and the port had an existing 20-year contract, which would have expired in 2021.

World Maritime News Staff