Sponsored By

Delays boost English Channel unaccompanied freightDelays boost English Channel unaccompanied freight

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

Gary Howard, Middle East correspondent

August 10, 2022

1 Min Read
LondonMedway2
Peel Ports

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."

Related:UK ports ‘wasted time, effort, and money’ on Brexit white elephants

About the Author

Gary Howard

Middle East correspondent

Gary Howard is the Middle East Correspondent for Seatrade Maritime News and has written for Seatrade Cruise, Seatrade Maritime Review and was News Editor at Lloyd’s List. Gary’s maritime career started after catching the shipping bug during a research assignment for the offshore industry. Working out of Seatrade's head office in the UK, he also produces and contributes to conference programmes for Seatrade events including CMA Shipping, Seatrade Maritime Logistics Middle East and Marintec. 

Gary’s favourite topics within the maritime industry are decarbonisation and wind-assisted propulsion; he particularly enjoys reporting from industry events.

Conferences & Webinars

Gary Howard regularly moderates at international maritime events. Below you’ll find a list of selected past conferences and webinars.

Get the latest maritime news, analysis and more delivered to your inbox
Join 12,000+ members of the maritime community

You May Also Like