Samskip is launching a new shortsea service connecting Antwerp and Hull, in an expansion of its continent-UK multimodal network that also sees it debut at Belgium’s largest port. The initial schedule offers a twice weekly short sea container service, with its first departure from Antwerp on the 12th October. The service will be operated by a 508 TEU capacity vessel, sailing from ATO’s multimodal terminal on Tuesday and Saturday and ABP Port of Hull on Thursday and Monday.
This new connection is in addition to Samskip’s existing shortsea services connecting Rotterdam with Tilbury, Hull and Grangemouth (eight per week) and the recent three times weekly Amsterdam-Hull service. This new Antwerp to Hull routing offers shippers a distinct local alternative.
Richard Beales UK & Ireland Regional Director comments: “We are excited at the prospect of offering a new solution that can meet the requirements of the local and hinterland market in and around Antwerp, especially given the excellent rail and inland waterway links available. Manufacturers and logistics providers have a new efficient choice that offers an optimal routing, reduces their exposure to increasing road congestion and driver shortages, is cost effective and reduces CO2 in the supply chain.”
He adds: “With the current Brexit uncertainty we believe that our spread of dedicated short sea services can offer robust options for companies wanting to prepare by de-risking their supply chain.” Total container traffic through Antwerp increased by 8.3% in the first half of 2018 over the equivalent period in 2017, according to Port of Antwerp figures. The UK is Antwerp’s third largest maritime trading partner, contributing around 15 million tonnes of freight every year.
Antwerp Port Authority CEO Jacques Vandermeiren says: “To create a modal shift that brings the share of truck transport down, it is crucial to offer efficient alternative means of transport and shortsea is clearly one of them. Samskip has excellent expertise in this field and this new short-sea service will definitely support us in achieving this goal.”
www.portofantwerp.com; www.samskip.com
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