UPM Renovates Port of Halla in Kotka, Finland

Helsinki, Finland, 05 September 2007) -– UPM Seaways has renewed the quay in the port of Halla in Kotka, Finland. In connection with the renewal a new ramp was also built. The ramp enables the operations of stern port or so-called RORO vessels. The depth of the harbor has been increased so that operation depth alongside the whole quay is 8.5 meters.

The objective of the renewal is to increase operational efficiency and reduce unit costs. It will allow modern loading and unloading equipment to be used, thus speeding up operations.

Construction work started in May 2006 and was finished in the beginning of September 2007. The port of Halla is private industrial port in Kotka owned by UPM, which primarily uses it to ship pulp.

UPM is one of the world’s leading forest products groups. The Group's sales in 2006 were EUR 10 billion, and it has about 28,000 employees. UPM's main products include printing papers, self-adhesive label materials, and wood products. The company has production plants in 15 countries and its main market areas are Europe and North America. UPM's shares are listed on the Helsinki and New York stock exchanges. The company's Web site is www.upm-kymmene.com

UPM Seaways is UPM's logistics unit operating in Kotka. The unit is responsible for sea transportations.UPM Seaways employs approximately 65 people.