Wilhelmsen measures improved ro/ro volumes

   Wilh. Wilhelmsen Holding ASA Group (WWH), the Norwegian company that is a part owner in Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics and several other roll-on/roll-off cargo companies, said it saw positive growth in the fourth quarter in volumes transported deep sea and continued growth in sales for its maritime services segment.
   The Wilhelmsen companies have a complicated structure — WWH owns 72 percent of Wilh. Wilhelmsen ASA’s (WWASA), which, in turn, owns:

• 50 percent of WWL-Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics (the other half is owned by Sweden’s Wallenius Lines)
• 40 percent percent of EUKOR Car Carrier, a Korea-based carrier that is 20 percent owned by Hyundai/Kia
• 50 percent of the U.S.-flag shipping company American Roll-on-Roll-off Carrier (ARC)
• 12.4 percent of the logistics company Hyundai Glovis

   Wilhelmsen said total cargo volumes transported by group companies totaled 19.8 million cubic meters in the fourth quarter, up 6 percent from the previous quarter.
   “WWL transported cargo volumes grew compared with the third quarter, with positive development in shipment of both cargo segments. All main trades, except Asia to Europe, noted a positive development in the fourth quarter, with particularly strong growth in the trades from Europe and Asia to North America. Year over year, auto volumes transported on WWL’s fleet improved slightly. High and heavy volumes fell however more than the increase in cars,” the company said
   “EUKOR saw a rebound in deep sea shipments compared with a third quarter which was characterized by reduced export following labor strikes,” it continued. “European demand continued to be weak causing an imbalance in the European-trade and higher operating cost, while there was a substantial improvement in the U.S. trade. Compared with the same quarter 2012, transported volumes were higher, with particularly growth in export out of Europe and in non-Hyundai and Kia cargo segments.
   “ARC recorded a significant drop in volumes quarter on quarter. The decline in volume is first and foremost related to the Middle East service. Compared with the corresponding quarter of 2012, volumes were up.”