Maersk Line announced its new direct service between the British Isles and Algeciras to connect to the whole of Mediterranean and North Africa which offers improved transportation solutions for its existing network. It will be Maersk Group’s first ever direct connection to the Irish capital, supplementing the existing Latin American service to Cork operated by Maersk Line.
Operated by Seago Line, the Intra-European shipping expert and part of the Maersk Group, the new service further allows easier access to other trades and helps sister companies Maersk Line and Safmarine deliver for their customers in the North West of England and Ireland. Maersk says that the new short sea service also creates a great opportunity for a West Africa product offering with a new transshipment option to connect both markets to Nigeria.
“With competitive transit times and convenient berthing windows, we are well-placed to serve customers who seek new opportunities through this Mediterranean connection. Furthermore, our customers located in the Liverpool hinterland can now access South European and North African markets with Seago Line as a complimentary addition to our existing offer, while for Irish cargo this becomes an attractive alternative to the current feeder option via Rotterdam.” commented Seago Line General Manager for UK & Ireland Robert Clegg.
Patrick Walters, commercial director at Peel Ports, said: “The two services that have already been announced, combined with these additional new services, are a strong signal of intent from lines in the run up to the opening of Liverpool2. Carriers are being increasingly convinced of the arguments around the strength of shipping closer to market via the North-west; partly due to the excellent support we’ve received from cargo owners who are looking for ways to reduce costs, carbon emissions and congestion in their supply chain.”
The new service will offer 6 days transit time between Algeciras and Liverpool and 7 days between Algeciras and Dublin. The first call to Liverpool is planned on April 13th and to Dublin on April 14th.
