13 August 2020
The challenge
Market uncertainty has presented a number of ongoing issues within the supply chain. Long distance European haulage, delays as a result of increased paperwork and border controls, and restrictive measures put in place by authorities relating to driver or passenger transport, are just some of the recent issues being felt. Supply chains are having to develop new models of working in response to the demands placed on them.
Find out how Peel Ports, alongside its strategic partners, worked together to open up new trade opportunities and provide a flexible and adaptable supply chain for the end customer.
The solution
In June 2020, Peel Ports introduced a new call at the Port of Liverpool, opening the first pure RoRo service with CLdN in a triangular route between Santander (ES), Liverpool (UK) and Dublin (IE).
Recently, Peel Ports celebrated its first booking from the USA with Atlantic Container Line (ACL), through to Dublin with European short sea RoRo Specialist, CLdN. The project which involved a 3.5 tonne Wheeled Volvo L70H Loader manufactured in the USA, was shipped via RoRo cargo through to Ireland with a transhipment in Liverpool, linking ACL’s long established transatlantic service with the new CLdN Irish Sea service.
The new RoRo route has provided a vital solution to protect and preserve every link in the supply chain. Specifically, it is able to support the reduction of long European haulage legs to deliver a robust and reliable service in the face of COVID-19 restrictions. Previously, this shipment would have gone via a southern port, however, the newly introduced service provides a more direct route via Liverpool linking up ACL and CLdN routes. This new route can also apply to cargo destined for Spain.
Zara Giles, Head of Sales, Peel Ports said: “This is a really positive step for all parties involved. The opening up of new trade opportunities has allowed us to remain agile in an unpredictable landscape, strengthening our position even further to be able to bend and flex in response to the needs of the market. This is only the beginning and I’m delighted to welcome more shipments in the very near future.
As we look to a post-Brexit future, attention has inevitably turned west. Peel Ports strategy has long been to prepare itself for the anticipated trade opportunities, which is why it’s embarked on a multi-million pound expansion of its Liverpool2 terminal.
Bob Kevitt, Head of Sales, Hansen Shipping UK Ltd said: “After identifying the opportunity to combine two independent carrier services, we have been able to streamline and improve our own RoRo offering between North America and Dublin. We are delighted to have facilitated this successful pilot shipment for our client, and feel this is a game changer for customers shipping to and from Ireland.
Furthermore, Liverpool is a key port for Irish Sea trade, and this new route between the two countries will provide both Irish and US exporters alike, with a reliable, fast and direct route for their customers.
Lee Chapman, ACL’s Terminal Manager said “The new CLdN RoRo service adds to the diversity of the scheduled services calling at the Port of Liverpool, and adds even more commercial benefits to our customers. That coupled with ACL’s Generation four vessels which are the world's newest, greenest and largest combination container and roll-on/roll-off vessels and our reliable weekly transatlantic sailings and competitive transit times to and from North America, Liverpool and Continental Europe. ACL can now offer increased flexibility, creating quicker and more cost effective transhipment options.
Sjors Bosvelt, Head of Sales, CLdN said: “We have observed an increasing demand from trailer, container and project cargo operators for a direct connection from Iberia to the UK and Ireland in certain markets. Opening the first pure RoRo alternative on this route, allows our customers to optimize usage of their assets because of improved lead-times compared to current transhipment or channel tunnel routes. All industries and cargo types can gain advantage from this service. The schedule has been set up in such a way, that we are able to execute Landbridge sailings between Liverpool and Dublin also. Increasing unaccompanied freight capacity between the UK and Ireland at the same time, proving freight routes can flourish without any governmental aid and add another route which is Brexit resilient.