MOL signs agreement with Oman, opens offices in Italy

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines has signed a memorandum of understanding with Oman Shipping S.A.O.C. (OSC), the national shipping company wholly owned by the government of Oman, the Japanese carrier said Tuesday.   The move will help both companies respond to increased demand for shipping service as Oman economy grows, MOL said.  he government of Oman continues to develop new petrochemical and gas related projects, generating new demand for shipping services and transport of raw materials,?MOL said. o jointly meet this expanding demand, the memorandum between MOL and OSC covers the dry bulker business, in addition to LNG carriers and oil tankers. With this memorandum, MOL will become more deeply involved in Oman ocean shipping business, and will contribute to the nation economic growth.?BR>    Also on Tuesday, MOL said its European subsidiary MOL Europe has established an office in Italy, with operations beginning Friday.   The carrier said it is moving away from using it longtime agent in Italy, Prosper Agenzia Maritima, as a response to strong growth in Asia-Mediterranean trade. MOL Italia will have offices in Genoa and Milan and expand service in local communities.   ?he new agency will retain Prosper employees, who bring decades of experience and know-how, ensuring a smooth operational transfer from the old agency to the new,?MOL said.   MOL offers three regular weekly container services between Italy and Asia, and a weekly service between South Africa and Italy, via rail connections to Rotterdam.