June 6 - As Atlantic Ro-Ro Carriers (ARRC) celebrates its 20th anniversary in the Russian-USA trade, the shipping line has confirmed that it is proceeding with the introduction of additional upgraded vessels to its service.

The line, which recently announced that it is also working on a newbuilding programme to be initiated towards the end of 2014, has added Antonio - a 32,000 dwt general cargo ship, which has two cranes offering a combined lifting capacity of 200 tonnes.

Similar in design to the line's Astrakhan fleet type, this ship is suitable for the carriage of breakbulk, project, bulk and containerised cargo, ARRC advises.

Its addition the vessel will also allow ARRC to extend and increase the frequency of sailings to and from St Petersburg.

Antonio's maiden voyage from Houston will take place this week.

www.cisnav.com