Archives



Feature, Freight News, Sea


China-Liverpool sailings could be first of many

[ March 22, 2021   //   ]

As previously announced on this website, heavylift shipping operator Allseas Global Logistics’ DKT Allseas arm is to operate three sailings to carry containers from Shanghai and Ningbo to Liverpool during April. While they will be ‘one-off’ operations, the operator suggests that there could be potential for a more regular service from China to the northern gateway.

Similar in concept to the one-off sailings operated earlier in the year by forwarders such as GeoLogistics and German purchasing association XStaff to continental Europe, the first service due to depart Shanghai on 4April, with two additional sailings on the 22 and 25 April. 

The new initiative by DKT Allseas, is intended to provide relief to customers facing increased ocean freight rates and reduced reliability of liner services due to the knock-on impacts of the global pandemic.

The service will have a 28 day transit time and the vessels will be feeder size, rather than panama or larger. This will offer multiple benefits to cargo owners as it will significantly reduce the chance of port delays, as there are no multi-port callings, and will ship directly into the UK, where many of Allseas’ customers are located. It also offers guarantee that once space is booked, the cargo will be shipped.

Darren Wright, Managing Director Allseas Global Logistics said: “This service which is under our own direct charter, has been born out of necessity and frustration with the current supply and demand issue. By taking a progressive approach we can offer a guaranteed service, without deviation or additional Port calls from Shanghai and Ningbo into Liverpool, at a sensible price.

“We hope that the demand particularly by North UK customers, can support a longer term, frequent niche service from China direct into Liverpool.”

David Huck, managing director of Liverpool’s owner, Peel Ports said: “Cargo owners need assurance during these challenging times that their supply chain partners can be both reliable and provide innovative solutions to mitigate the effects of the pandemic. The Port of Liverpool continues to demonstrate its strength, agility and resiliency to relieve pressure on traditional routes and provide a gateway direct into the heart of the cargo owning community of the UK. 

“We continue to play a vital part in the transformation of UK logistics by enabling innovative solutions like this.”

Tags: