Volume growth at Vostochny International Container Services (VICS) increased by 48 percent in the first half of 2003. Under the successful joint operating management of CSX World Terminals (CSXWT) and P&O Ports since 1995, the increase in volume is in addition to growth of 145 percent since 1999. Strategically located at the Pacific terminus of the Trans Siberian Railway connecting the Far East to western Russia, CIS, Central Asia and Northern Europe, VICS is Russia's most efficient container terminal. Recent improvements to the Trans Siberian Land Bridge's (TSLB) infrastructure and systems by the Russian Transport and Railway Ministry ensure future growth will continue.