UASC, Medmar create Italian agency joint-venture

UASC, Medmar create Italian agency joint-venture Kuwait-based United Arab Shipping Co. (UASC) has established a joint-venture company with its long standing agent in Italy, Medmar S.p.A., part of the Finsea Group, to assume all of its agency duties in Italy, starting Jan. 1.
   United Arab Shipping Agency Co. (Italy) S.r.L. was incorporated in Genoa on Dec. 13 and will have its own fully owned offices in Genoa, La Spezia, Livorno and Milan. Representation in Naples, Venice and other ports will operate through existing sub-agents.
   'For UASC's customers it will be a seamless transition as the same people will be serving our customers needs,' said Filippo Gallo, general manager of UASAC (Italy) S.r.L., in a statement.
   UASC currently operates four weekly services in Italy connecting Asia, the Indian subcontinent, the Middle East, East Mediterranean and the U.S. East Coast, with direct calls at Genoa, La Spezia, Naples and Gioia Tauro and with dedicated shuttle services to and from Livorno and Venice.
   In 2008, the company will take delivery of eight 7,000-TEU ships for use in the Asia/Europe trade.