P&O Ferries reported in early July 2018 the highest freight volumes yet on its new dedicated lift unit freight service between Zeebrugge and Hull, with Q2 seeing a fifth consecutive quarter of growth.
The integrated ferry and logistics company transported 8,532 lift units on the dedicated freight service between April and June – an increase of four per cent on the first quarter and the best three month period since the route began in spring last year.
Nick Pank, Head of Freight – North Sea at P&O Ferries, said: “We designed this new freight service around the needs of our customers, who told us that reliability and the lowest possible terminal waiting times were what mattered most to their business. It is encouraging to see more and more of them making use of it.”
“The service prioritises fast turnaround times in both ports, with the expansion of our Zeebrugge terminal including optimised handling at our freight gate to help customers with their delivery commitments.”
“Our 76 sailings across the North Sea every week – to Teesport and Tilbury as well as Hull – provide an unrivalled set of options for exporters to and from Britain and our rail hub at Zeebrugge is increasingly acting as a conveyor belt for goods produced across the continent of Europe. We are at our best when we help our customers solve the most difficult logistical challenges, over sea and land.”
The 5,000gt container ship Elisabeth operates on the route. She makes three round trips per week between Zeebrugge and Hull, complementing P&O Ferries’ existing combined tourist and freight service. The news comes a month after P&O Ferries significantly raised capacity on its Zeebrugge-Teesport route by deploying the 18,000 ton Estraden, thereby create the fastest and easiest gateway to Scotland for exporters.
