A UK marine firm has acquired a French company that is a supplier in ro-ro and port services and whose client, Irish Ferries, operates on the Dover-Calais link, writes Jehan Ashmore.
Briggs Marine has purchased Scanco, a well-established operator in this sector based out of Calais and Cherbourg, from where Irish Ferries operate the short-sea link to Dover and on the longer route to Dublin, respectively.
The development is a significant milestone for family-owned Briggs Marine, which, at 50 years in business this year, already has existing similar operations serving Irish Ferries at the Port of Dover. With the acquisition, this will benefit customers and will also enhance its strong market position and European operations, which will align seamlessly on both sides of the Strait of Dover.
Among the work of Scanco is the provision of port check-in management, to ensure efficient processing for both tourist motorists and freight customers. Last year alone, the company successfully managed port operations for over 4,500 port calls.
Beyond check-ins, Scanco enforces critical passenger information protocols, oversees import/export customs administration. Also, it ensures adherence to the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) code and prioritising in the safety of passengers and cargo alike.
In addition to port services, Briggs, which employs more than 700 in 19 locations, including its headquarters in Burntisland, Scotland, provides environmental marine operations, subsea support, and vessel chartering, currently numbering 30 ships.
Aside from UK operations, Briggs also has an office in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan on the Caspian Sea.
