VIKING Life-Saving Equipment and MOL Techno-Trade announce strategic alliance, sole agency agreement in Japan.

Esbjerg, Denmark, November 2013 - Marine and fire safety equipment leader VIKING Life-Saving Equipment (VIKING) and MOL Techno-Trade Ltd. (MOLTECH) have entered a strategic alliance and sole agency agreement, establishing MOLTECH as the exclusive agent for VIKING in Japan.

MOLTECH will be offering the full range of VIKING’s safety solutions including the industry leading Shipowner Agreements (SOA) - agreements that combine global product availability and servicing with financing in fixed price structures and the convenience of VIKING’s management of the service schedules. The Shipowner Agreements are planned and monitored from a single point of contact and were an industry game-changer, when first introduced back in 2009.

VIKING has already enjoyed many years of representation on the Japanese market and the role of existing distributors remains unchanged, however, under the control of MOLTECH.

“The agreement is a tremendous milestone for VIKING and will ensure that our products and solutions are widely available to shipowners and shipyards in Japan”, says Henrik Uhd Christensen, CEO of VIKING Life-Saving Equipment, and continues:

“MOLTECH has demonstrated a capability to drive bottom line results by bridging interests and finding solutions that satisfy both Japanese and non-Japanese interests and different cultural dimensions. Further, being part of the MOL family of companies MOLTECH has the inherent capability to execute the business level which VIKING targets in the Japanese market. This provides us with the foundation of a dynamic and enduring relationship.”

About VIKING:

VIKING is a market leader in maritime safety, providing and servicing essential safety and fire-fighting equipment to the following segments: passenger, cargo, offshore, defence, fishing, yachting and fire.

We are a Danish privately held corporation with group headquarters in Esbjerg. VIKING has been a lifesaving equipment manufacturer since 1960, known until 1993 as Nordisk Gummibådsfabrik. Products are manufactured in Denmark, Norway and Thailand.

We offer a choice of product packages and systems that are standard or tailor made and certified to the latest requirements according to IMO, SOLAS, EU and USCG. Product portfolio includes chute and slide based marine and offshore evacuation and embarkation systems, liferafts, lifejackets, immersion suits, fire suits, work suits, pilot suits, transportation suits, body armour, MOB boats, davits, pilot ladders, signs, escape-route marking systems and other lifesaving appliances.

VIKING’s advanced marine evacuation systems provide fast and easy evacuation and exceptional stability and are trusted by passengers and crew worldwide. only VIKING offers systems for all vessel types and sizes with over 1,300 VIKING evacuation systems currently in operation.
The unique VIKING network of branch offices, agents, 270 certified servicing stations and worldwide stock points makes us a truly global provider offering cost-effective and convenient service when and where you need it. www.VIKING-life.com

About MOLTECH:
MOL Techno-Trade, Ltd. (MOLTECH) is a technology trading company that provides expertise and technology to meet a wide range of needs on land and at sea. MOLTECH is a core member of the MOL Group, one of the world's largest ocean shipping groups. As the trading section of Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, which has the world’s largest scale of ships, MOLTECH provides spare parts and equipment together with energy-saving products within Japan and overseas. www.motech.co.jp

Donghoon Kim

VIKING Life-Saving Equipment Group