A UK port operator, Peel Ports Group, has welcomed the first call of a new direct container service connecting the UK’s through Liverpool with the Far East this week.
Container operator MSC’s new Britannia Service creates a unique corridor between the two markets. In addition to significantly opening up export and import opportunities for businesses looking to utilise the Port of Liverpool’s unique proximity to the heart of the UK.
The new northern Europe-Asia service follows an increased demand from retailers and importers looking to diversify their supply chain, improve resiliency, and reduce total road miles by ensuring goods arrive closer to their end destination.
The first sailing for the service saw the MSC Tokyo (as above) arrive in Liverpool from Vietnam after leaving China.
Michael Collins, Commercial Director at MSC UK, commented, “We are delighted to see the arrival of this highly anticipated direct service connecting Asia with Liverpool, which will significantly enhance our customer offering in the UK, while reaffirming our partnership with Peel Ports Group.
Building on our extensive UK port network and established services between the Far East and UK, the Britannia Service allows customers in the north-west of the UK to bring their cargo closer to its final destination.”
David Huck, Chief Operating Officer at Peel Ports Group, said: “The new Britannia service is a significant benefit for Liverpool, and indeed the North. In collaboration with MSC, we are delighted to be able to provide businesses with a smarter and more sustainable solution to goods reaching the major distribution hubs of the UK.
We’ve always invested for the long-term in our facilities, and this shows the benefit of that approach.
With so much pressure currently on the supply chain, the economy, and the environment, this announcement positions a more balanced UK supply chain, bringing with it job creation and a much needed levelling-up approach for the North”
The updated network is designed to improve services and transit times between Asia and North Europe, offering new port pairs, while adapting to the ongoing challenges of port congestion in Europe.
