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Delays boost English Channel unaccompanied freight

Peel Ports LondonMedway2.jpg
Peel Ports has reported a boost to volumes on its Sheerness-Calais unaccompanied freight route as shippers look to dodge Dover delays.

London Medway said delays at the Dover had helped bring a 34% increase in freight over the past two weeks in its DFDS-operated cross-channel service. The service runs unaccompanied freight, which means trailers and containers are shipped without a driver, easing customs and border delays.

The latest increase in throughput came as delays at Dover caused a queue of lorries in the UK, echoing a similar increase in London Medway unit volumes when the P&O debacle brought delays at Dover earlier this year.

Peel Ports Group, owner of London Medway, said the increase in volumes on the service had exceeded market expectations.

Richard Goffin, Port Director at London Medway, said: “Although the sea-leg is longer, routing via regional ports such as London Medway is just as efficient as the existing options through the Dover Straits, as road miles are reduced. These journeys also allow for clearance checks to be completed without the pressure of a 90-minute crossing increasing throughput and capacity.

"Peel Ports has argued for many years that the solution to the South East congestion is simple. Rather than travel as accompanied freight, cargo that is non-perishable can move on unaccompanied services through more reliable routes such as London Medway."