Work started on January 3 to extend a small British port that would be able to be a back-up if the UK leaves the European Union with a no trade deal. The dredging at the port at Ramsgate could assist in mitigating possible congestion.
According to Reuters, the port at Ramsgate could be used if customs checks ate too much for the main terminals of Calais in France and Dover and Folkestone in Britain. The dredging works will allow more access for Ro-Ro vessels and could ease congestion. Moreover, Seaborne Freight told Reuters that the work has begun and was will take about 25 days to complete.
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Information suggests that there are works for the last two years to provide a service between Ramsgate and Belgium’s Ostend, aimig to reopen a route that had closed in 2013.
The start date for the new service was delayed until March, while the company wants to operate two ships at first. This could increase to four vessels by summer.
Currently, shipping officials are concerned about the complexities of finding Ro-Ro vessels, as they are normally booked in advance. They also worry about making sure that smaller ports will be able to provide the necessary back-up if needed.
