Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics (WWL) and ROLF SCS are establishing a joint venture between their Baltic and Russian terminal activities.

The joint venture will operate the auto and RoRo terminals in Kotka in Finland, Petrolesport port in St Petersburg and Vostochny in Far East Russia, which are the principal entry ports by sea into Russia.

WWL and ROLF SCS aim to provide international vehicle manufacturers with more flexibility and choice to import cars and RoRo cargo into Russia and neighbouring countries through the joint venture.

Anders Boman, WWL's CEO for Europe, says the joint venture is a milestone for the transport logistics company in Russia. "Despite the recent downturn, we believe in this market for the long term. I am happy that through our co-operation with ROLF SCS, we can offer customers our entire supply chain portfolio for the Russia and CIS market."

ROLF Group board member Stephen Fletcher says the partnership "further reinforces ROLF SCS's market position" and will have immediate and long-term significance.

WWL brings its terminal in Kotka, Finland to the joint company while ROLF brings its activities in Petrolesport port and the Vostochny terminal. The joint venture is subject to the agreement of the companies' boards of directors and is expected to finalise at the end of the year.

WWL has operated in Russia since 2003 and established a branch office in St Petersburg in 2009. ROLF SCS, a part of car importer and retailer ROLF Group, is a Russian provider of finished vehicle and spare parts logistics services to the automotive industry.