Increased international trade and higher demands on more efficient transportation are two factors that benefit shipping and a niche-oriented shipping company such as Swedish Orient Line (SOL). SOL's core business is liner shipping between the Nordic countries and the Mediterranean. Since October 1, 2000, this service has been operated via a joint venture, SolNiver Lines, with SOL holding 60% of the shares. This service is based on four RoRo vessels, which are chartered from SOL and supplemented by chartered tonnage when the need arises. In addition to being the general agent for SolNiver Lines in Scandinavia, the Baltic States and the U.K., SOL is also the agent for Pol-Levant Shipping Lines, which also operates liner traffic between the Nordic countries and the Mediterranean.