The zero emission car carrier

Automotive Industries, July, 2005

When logistic services-provider Wallenius Wilhelmsen Lines recently changed its name to Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics it signaled the integration of a complete range of outbound logistics services that cover the entire supply chain. The company becomes an independent and global provider of such integrated services to manufacturers of cars maximizing customer flexibility. The company's main business focus is outbound vehicle logistics services which include supply chain management, ocean services, inland transportation and technical services.

WALLENIUS WlLHELMSEN was formed July 1 1999 through the merger of car-carrying and RoRo activities between Swedish Wallenius Lines and Norwegian Wilh. Wilhelmsen ASA. In May 2005, the company acquired a 50% stake in Distribution and Auto Service or DAS, from Nissan North America, which helped Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics strengthen its position in the finished vehicle supply chain logistics market.

"As a customer-driven partner we see that our clients are looking for more integrated logistics services to manage complex logistics networks, new manufacturing locations and different distribution patterns," says CEO Nils P. Dyvik, Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics.

"Our customers are constantly looking for better ways to improve efficiency and the predictability of global distribution. We will meet this need by tailoring supply chain solutions to create value for customers changing needs. Our ambition is to define the industry standard in delivering these tailored logistics services to the marketplace".

Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics is also using its position as a market leader in the vehicle logistics business to drive environmental benchmarks. One example is the concept car-carrier E/S Orcelle that was exhibited during the 2005 World Expo in Aichi, Japan.

The concept model is now on its way supporting the company's efforts to highlight environmental concern throughout the ongoing Volvo Ocean Race events across the world - an ocean race where Wallenius Wilhelmsen is the official shipping line sponsor. Although a vessel such as the concept car-carrier will never be built, the model still serves as an icon of opportunity for growing focus on the environment across the maritime industry.

"We saw the opportunity to present our vision for the year 2025 in the shape of a concept car carrier. Although a carrier like this will never be built in entirety, we hope to see its elements in future vessels," says Nils P Dyvik.

"The future is here in our vision of the environmentally friendly ship. While futuristic in its concept we believe that E/S Orcelle represents the achievable goal of building a zero emission cargo ship. The innovative vessel is named in honor of the Irrawaddy dolphin, known in French as the Orcelle dolphin, currently high on the endangered species list of WWF, the global conservation organization," says Lena Blomqvist, Vice President Environment.

Key to Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics services is to offer customers key benefits such as increased flexibility and reliability, improved visibility, reduced time-to-market, and overall efficiencies.