Official Opening of VIKING Life-Saving Equipment Ltd in Shanghai

Press release


Official Opening of VIKING Life-Saving Equipment Ltd in Shanghai graced by the presence of Her Highness, Hong Kong born Princess Alexandra of Denmark.

Shanghai, Tuesday 6th December 2006, Her Highness Princess Alexandra, together with VIKING Life-Saving Equipment Board Member, Ms. Annette Kristensen, and VIKING’s China Managing Director, Mr. Christian Havrehed, dotted the eyes of the Chinese ceremonial lions, then cut the ribbon and said: “I hereby declare VIKING Life-Saving Equipment for open and wish VIKING continued success in China”.

The afternoon office opening ceremony was attended by more than 100 guests from the Chinese shipbuilding industry. The ceremony was followed the same evening by a VIP dinner, co-hosted with the Danish Export Association, where HH was guest of Honor. VIP guests attending included:

· Her Highness, Princess Alexandra of Denmark
· Danish Ambassador to China, Mr. Laurids Mikaelsen
· Mr. Wu Di, Secretary to the President of China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC)
· Mr. Li Qing Ping, Deputy Director General of Maritime Safety Administration of the Peoples Republic of China.


VIKING LIFE-SAVING EQUIPMENT – COMPANY PROFILE
VIKING Life-Saving Equipment is a family-owned business founded in Denmark in 1960.

Over the past 45 years VIKING has developed into a dominant global brand and is particularly well known for its high quality life rafts, its mass evacuation systems and protective suits.

VIKING is dominant global provider of cargo, passenger, off-shore and yachting safety equipment, a position obtained through a persistent dedication to top quality and service.

VIKING has 19 subsidiaries and 270 service stations throughout the world ensuring that ship owners can get their VIKING safety equipment serviced wherever they may enter port.

VIKING Life-Saving Equipment Trading (Shanghai) Ltd. is VIKING’s 18th subsidiary. 18 is a lucky number in China and VIKING feels lucky to open its office in China at a time when the PRC government has strategic focus on developing the shipbuilding industry and international ships are calling on China like never before.

VIKING is no new-comer to China. VIKING has been selling life rafts in China since 1982 and its first authorized service station was opened in 1997.

Upcoming events like the 2008 Olympics, the 2010 World Expo and the increasing number of international travelers visiting China put new demands on safety and VIKING hopes to actively contribute to China’s increased awareness and focus on safety at sea.

China is a vast country and geographical coverage is of key importance to be able to service VIKING’s customers properly. VIKING plans to open additional service stations in Chinese key ports in the next 2 years to strengthen its existing coverage. VIKING is opening its own service station in Shanghai in January 2006 and other ports will follow shortly afterwards.


Photos:

Lion Dance 1: L to R: Mr. Christian Havrehed, Managing Director of VIKING Life-Saving Equipment China, HH Princess Alexandra of Denmark and Ms. Annette Kristensen owner and Board member of VIKING Life-Saving Equipment together with Chinese lions at the VIKING Life-Saving Equipment opening ceremony.

Ribbon Cutting 2: L to R: Ms. Annette Kristensen owner and Board member of VIKING Life-Saving Equipment, HH Princess Alexandra of Denmark and Mr. Christian Havrehed, Managing Director of VIKING Life-Saving Equipment China cut the ribbon at the office opening and HH declare the office for open.

Portrait 3: L to R: Mr. Christian Havrehed, Managing Director of VIKING Life-Saving Equipment China, HH Princess Alexandra of Denmark and Ms. Annette Kristensen owner and Board member of VIKING Life-Saving Equipment at the office opening of VIKING Life-Saving Equipment in China.

For further information please contact:
Christian Havrehed, General Manager, VIKING LIFE-SAVING EQUIPMENT (CHINA) LTD
Tel: +86 138 01997 218 * E-mail: CH@VIKING-life.com * www.VIKING-life.com