The fallout of post-Brexit on Ireland saw operators rapidly expand direct freight ferry routes to mainland Europe, while a container company avoids potential English Channel port congestion having begun a new route via the Irish Sea, writes Jehan Ashmore.
The new lo-lo route of Dunkirk-Bristol-Liverpool operated by Containerships is marketed as 'DUNK' which bypasses UK south-east ports and ferry alternative of Calais-Dover, by sailing instead through the Irish Sea. The link launched in late January, connects northern France and north-west England through the Port of Liverpool has been welcomed by the port operator, the Peel Ports Group.
The Merseyside port is the only Irish Sea port of seven UK ports that won a bid to be granted 'Freeport' status as announced by the UK Government last week. Freeports will provide potential for global trading relationships as these designated have the advantage as normal tax and tariff rules of the UK do not apply.
As for Ireland-EU relationships, Containerships also operate routes linking, Dublin-Rotterdam (added sailing last month) and another loop service connecting the Dublin hub port with Cork-Rotterdam and -Dunkirk (port added last November). In addition a Liverpool-Dublin-Spain (Mediterranean ports) service offers markets with the Iberian peninsula.
Containerships new Dunkirk-Bristol-Liverpool route, has enabled the intra-European company, part of the CMA CGM Group, to join up connections with the major shipping and logistics group.
The 800 TEU containership service provides a gateway for goods, helping them move more quickly from mainland Europe to the UK while avoiding potential congestion issues in south-east England.
Containerships launch of the service, demonstrates CMA CGM's ability to respond and quickly adapt with tailor-made solutions to meet its customers’ needs and expectations.
The new connection from Dunkirk through the English Channel and into the Irish Sea port, runs from Friday to Monday. This enabling suppliers to deliver produce into the UK by the start of the working week.
Peel Ports believe the new route will help to minimise the impact of external pressures faced by supply chains during the Covid-19 pandemic. In addition to changes which have come into effect following the Brexit deal agreement.
The lo-lo route provides a greener solution, helping to reduce road miles and emissions from long-haul overland transits through England.
