Project Freight Forwarding and Logistics Group Links with RoRo Ferry Outfit

Two Shipping Companies Known in Western Europe for Different Strengths Join Forces 

EUROPE – Mann Lines, which specialises in logistics and project and general freight forwarding, has entered into an agreement this week with RoRo ferry group Stena Line to cooperate with a view to enhancing both companies’ services utilising each other’s strengths. Stena has an extensive route network of ferry services and Mann Lines operates a liner RoRo service between the ports of Harwich, Cuxhaven, Tallinn, Turku and Bremerhaven and a container shipping service between Rotterdam and the Baltics.

Initially at least the new agreement will see Mann charter a fixed quantity of space on a Mann Lines vessel and Mann will act as sales agent when it comes to Stena Lines route network. Stena RoRo will charter the RoRo vessel Stena Foreteller to its new partner, with the ship entering service for Mann Lines in January 2015. Bill Binks, Managing Director for Mann Lines, commented on the new arrangement, saying:

“We are really looking forward to see the results of this cooperation, since it will be very beneficial for both current and potential customers and it will increase cargo flows for both companies. Stena Line is a perfect partner for us to cooperate with regarding cargo flows to and from the Benelux countries.”

Stena Line of course has routes to and from nine western European and Scandinavian countries and the deal will presumably give the company the possibility of offering services to areas where it has had no presence up to now. The difference in core business between the two seems also to be a major factor according to Anders Peterson, Business Development Manager, Stena Line who commented:

“Mann Lines is a strong player within logistics and in business areas where we are not as strong. Areas which I here refer to are automotive, project loads and the high & heavy segment. Stena Line complements in other areas. From both Stena Line as well as Mann Lines we see that this cooperation will be beneficial for customers at both companies.”