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Introduction

KESS

Car Carrier Service "K" Line commenced maritime car transport by specialized car carriers earlier than any other shipping line, and we have continuously provided our customers with safe and reliable service. Demand for transport has been diversifying in recent years as a result of vehicular production sites being dispersed around the world. In response to this trend, we have been making diligent and consistent efforts to assure that our customers are given the very best service possible. Schedules To view Car Carrier Schedules and routes, please visit our "K" Line America web site Start of "K" Line's Car Carriers Back in 1968, delivery was taken of our first Car Bulker, the Toyota Maru No.1. Since that time, "K" LINE has consistently poured passion and energy into being the leader in the field of marine transport of vehicular cargo. Japan's first pure Car Carrier, the Toyota Maru No.10, was put in service in 1970, followed in 1973 by the European Highway, then the world's largest and fastest carrier. Since 1968, we have been dedicated to the expansion and technical innovation of our fleet to meet changing market needs, with the core of our services focusing on safety in navigation and damage prevention. We are committed to even further improve these customer-oriented services that were introduced in the 20th century in order to successfully meet the needs of our customers in the 21st century. "K" Line's Present Fleet As of June, 2004, we operate 75 car carriers and annually carry as many as 1.75 million units, equivalent to 15% of the total of all transported units per annum on a global basis. Our fleet ranges from super-speed and large-sized 6,000-unit carriers with a speed of 20 knots to 800-unit small size carriers for short-sea transport in Europe. The entire fleet is designated to the pursuit of being an even more effective and efficient tool of transportation all the time. AMBER ARROW and IVORY ARROW (each 6,600-units) were delivered in May and June 2004 respectively, following 2 6,000-unit vessels during 2003. This chain of events is aimed at expansion of our total loading capacity by putting large carriers into service and further strengthening our cost competitiveness. Service for Any Type of Cargo By applying wisdom and experience, we are pouring energy and passion into the satisfaction of a variety of needs for vehicular transportation, adopting a ramp that can endure up to 150-ton strength; equipping ships with our own inventive facilities such as Rolltrailer, etc. for loading and transporting large-size construction machinery and specific vehicles. In this way, you can see that we have been developing a highly flexible transport system for roll-on/roll-off cargo that is not self-propelled. Damage Prevention It is our determined goal that we should provide our esteemed customers with safe and high-quality marine transportation service as a global carrier. To attain this ever-constant goal, ceaseless and exact verification is exercised in every single process from receipt of cargo through delivery so that we may prevent any kind of cargo damage. More specifically, everyday efforts are continuously ongoing for improving quality of transportation services in both physical and software aspects with keen attention to: 1. Ship's hold circumstances and materials for physical handling of cargo 2. Know-how in relationship to operational methods and key points for check-up and/or inspection It can be reported that we are endeavouring to bring the above practices into speedy and exact action on a global basis through setting up the most optimal and independent quality control system by taking all local and inherent situations into account.

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