May 4 - In a move to strengthen the company's presence on the West coast of Norway, Wilhelmsen Ships Service has established a branch office in Stavanger.

The new office will focus especially on service provision to customers in the offshore sector, offering operations previously handled by a service provider.

Stavanger is Norway's fourth largest city, located on the south west coast. Oil service companies dominate the town and the industry employs more than 30,000 people.

"By establishing a branch office in Stavanger, Wilhelmsen Ships Service will gain a foothold in this important offshore area," says Christer Bonde, area director Scandinavia. "This fits well into the two strategies of strengthening the offer to the customers operating in the North Sea and to international customers in general."