Port of Liverpool welcomes first container vessel operating a trade new route between the Far East and the Mersey following demand from retailers. Tony McDonough reports

Shipping line MSC’s new Far East to Liverpool container route made has made its first call in the Mersey.

MSC Tokyo has docked at the Port of Liverpool after making its journey from China via Vietnam. It will sail on to Rotterdam, Antwerp, Hamburg, London Gateway, Singapore  and Shanghai as part of MSC’s new Britannia service, first announced in June.

MSC launched the route due to demand from UK retailers and importers who are keen to use the Liverpool2 terminal to diversify their supply chain, improve resiliency and reduce total road miles by ensuring goods arrive closer to their end destination.

Michael Collins, commercial director at MSC UK, said: “We are delighted to see the arrival of this highly anticipated direct service connecting Asia with Liverpool.

“This 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.”

This 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.

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David Huck, chief operating officer at Port of Liverpool owner, Peel Ports Group, added: “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 much needed levelling-up approach for the north”