08.10.2012

WWL acquires ALS

Norwegian transport and shipping company Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics has acquired a 60 percent - majority stake in the Dutch heavy transport company Abnormal Load Services.

WWL specialises in the shipping and delivery of new products, including cars and agricultural equipment. It also operates a fleet of Ro-Ro ships which are often used to ship cranes and larger work platforms.

Abnormal Load Services (not to be confused with Abnormal Load Engineering - ALE) focuses more on the transportation of heavy components and equipment and operates a specialist plant and equipment division for oversized loads and renewables operation which transports large turbine components among other things.

The merged business will adopt the name Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics Abnormal Load Services (WWL ALS).
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Erik Noeklebye, WWL’s head of region Europe, said: “Today manufacturers are forced to look at the supply chain in a fragmented fashion due to a lack of integrated service providers. Ocean transport, land transport, technical services, plant handling, etc… are often contracted separately, forcing the OEM to involve a lot of resources to manage a fragmented supply chain, driving costs up and quality down. Through WWL ALS, we will be able to offer these customers seamless finished vehicle logistics solutions with one customer interface and a global presence.”

René Van De Vin chief executive of Abnormal Load Services added: “This opportunity makes perfect sense, as both companies serve a global client base. By combining our skills and resources we will open up further opportunities for WWL and ALS’ customers, prospective clients, suppliers and employees.”