Port of Liverpool owner Peel Ports says new CLdN routes to the Iberian peninsula are proving a big hit with cargo owners and hauliers. Tony McDonough reports

Shipping line CLdN has added a second freight service between the Iberian peninsula and the Port of Liverpool following the success of its initial service.

After agreeing a deal with port owner Peel Ports, CLdN introduced a ro-ro service between Santander, Liverpool, and Dublin in June and has now added a new service between Portugal and Liverpool.

Peel claims the new service has achieved market confidence faster than it would normally expect from a new route. They have added frequency and capacity on CLdN’s Irish and UK services from continental Europe. They offer cargo owners and hauliers the chance to utilise longer maritime routes, switching to unaccompanied trailers to improve the overall productivity of the driver pool.

Liverpool is a key port for the Atlantic and Irish Sea trades and this new route between Iberia and Liverpool, will provide both Irish and US exporters alike, with a reliable, fast and direct route for their customers, including those in northern Britain.

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Market uncertainty, related to COVID-19 and Brexit, has presented a number of ongoing issues within the supply chain, affecting long distance European haulage and driver availability. This new service will help to mitigate those risks.

David Huck, managing director at Peel Ports, said: “This is a really positive start in our efforts to open up new trade opportunities amidst current market conditions. Many supply chains have been looking for alternative solutions given the challenges of moving cargo within a COVID environment.

“These services not only address those concerns, but also the potential risks from a no-deal Brexit in the UK’s negotiations with the EU, which are predicted to present delays on the traditional cross-channel routes.”

The Port of Liverpool is ideally positioned to allow CLdN to benefit from the UK’s extensive port network as a viable alternative. It also means CLdN can take advantage of hugely reduced waiting times, storage and efficient onward routes.

Sjors Bosvelt, head of sales, CLdN, added: “Since launching the triangular route in June, plus Porto, Dublin, Liverpool sailings, we have continued to progressively expand our route network.

“The new Portuguese service, which commenced with the arrival of Japanese-built Kawasaki Class vessel, Clementine into Liverpool, will offer environmental benefits and be less prone to disruptions or interruptions as seen on the short straights.”