The organisers state that the event is the focal point for the ro-ro industry, and will bring together a unique array of visitors, including operators, freight forwarders and shippers.
The exhibition will showcase shipping lines, port authorities and cargo handlers as well as equipment manufacturers, yards and class societies. They will include Luebecker Hafen GmbH, operator of Germany's largest Baltic port, which last hosted the event in 1996 and marks its return with the official opening of the Skandinavienkai intermodal terminal.
The Copenhagen Malmo Port joint venture will be celebrating a new deal with Japan's Toyota making it Scandinavia's second-largest car distribution centre. Added to an existing Peugeot contract, throughput is expected to reach 200,000 units a year by 2004.
Meanwhile Germany's BLG Automobile Logistics will feature its Bremerhaven-based operation, a global leader with annual volume of 1.2 million vehicles.
Swedish freight line Rederi AB Nordo-Link will mount an information campaign on the transport of dangerous goods. Some 20% of the 182,000 units carried last year contained hazardous material but the company points to a disturbing lack of knowledge on the regulations.
Dirk Rathjens, chairman and managing director of Lubeck shipbuilder Flender Werft AG, will host a tour of the yard which is currently completing two ro-ro/passenger vessels for fellow exhibitor Superfast Ferries. Orders also include a passenger/vehicle ferry for Faroe Islands-based Smyril Line and four 3,600 teu containerships for Hamburg owner Claus-Peter Offen.
Netherlands equipment manufacturer Terberg is launching its top of the range RT 382-4x4 RoRo-tractor, developed over the past 12 months for heavy duty operations. The company will share a stand with PLAN Industries-Germany which is to deliver eight of the 11 units currently on order to Australian customer Brambles.
Italy's CVS Ferrari will highlight its latest-design 4x4 TR 2516 V ro-ro tractor which includes a new Volvo engine, extra wide cabin, right hand drive, a double set of pedals and rear steps on both sides. Aimed at the UK market, three such units have been delivered to Norsemerchant Ferries in Liverpool.
KGW Foerder- und Servicetechnik of Germany is launching its KS 20-45 F spreader, a heavy duty telescopic model for ship-to-shore handling of 20-40 ft and 45 ft ISO containers. The design features a maintenance-free flipper drive system and automatic twist lock greasing.
Gothenburg-based Consent Equipment will focus on its rolltrailler range for general or project cargo and unit loads, including low-bed models developed for volume shipments and double stacking of containers. The company recently delivered 271 rolltrailers of 40 ft, 100-ton capacity to Wallenius Wilhelmsen Lines.