Sinotrans, Rickmers-Linie Strengthen Ties

March 4, 2004

Sinotrans Ltd. and Rickmers-Linie GmbH & Cie. KG are going to strengthen their co-operation in the business field of worldwide transportation and logistics services of containers, break-bulk, project cargo and heavy lifts.

The co-operation will include shipping agency business, domestic transportation and logistics services within the People’s Republic of China as well as container slot charter activities related to the Rickmers-Linie liner services network, with emphasis on all traffic into and from the People’s republic of China. For the port of Qingdao, an agency contract has been signed already and Sinotrans begun acting for and on behalf of Rickmers-Linie since 1 June 2003.

Sinotrans has experience in inland transportation and logistic services in China, while Rickmers-Linie offers reliable sea transportation to and from China. Both parties will combine their respective know-how and strengths in these fields of business to provide the international customers with reliable, innovative and efficient transportation and logistics solutions for break bulk, project cargo and heavy lifts from the factory to the construction site.

The co-operation also includes a possible development of combination of Sinotrans Container Line activities with the Rickmers-Linie liner services, which will enable both parties to promote additional container business. With Sinotrans and Rickmers-Linie, two major players in the transportation and logistics sector to and from the People’s Republic of China join forces and form a strategic alliance for future development and growth.

Mr. Steffens, Managing Director of Rickmers-Linie, stated: “Our newly launched Round-The-World Pearl String Service provides fortnightly punctual and reliable connections between China and the industrial centers in Europe and North America. The co-operation with Sinotrans, a well respected leading provider of logistics service, will offer our customers tailor-made transportation and logistics solutions to and from inland destinations in China.”