Second weekly freight Belgium service to run

To cope with increasing demand ahead of Brexit, the Port of Cork is set for a second weekly freight service to Belgium it was announced recently.

The Port of Cork have welcomed Compagnie Luxembourgeoise de Navigation’s (CLdN) decision to add a second weekly call from Cork to Zeebrugge.

Adding a second call will offer CLdN customers a quicker turnaround, as well as bypassing the UK land bridge and avoiding unnecessary border checks, ensuring cargo flows more effectively and in a cost-efficient manor from Ireland direct to the continent.

The Cork to Zeebrugge Ro-Con (roll off container) service which only began in May, has been very popular with customers, according to the Port of Cork.

The second service will now offer them even more flexibility.

Conor Mowlds, Port of Cork Chief Commercial Officer said: “This is very exciting news for Cork and indeed importers and exporters utilising the current service. Added frequency offers flexibility and with more and more cargo looking to avoid the UK land bridge, this second Cork to Zeebrugge service is another step forward in ensuring supply chains are maintained.”

He added: “In these extraordinary times a second direct Ro-Con freight link with Europe from Cork, Ireland’s primary southern gateway reinforces our commitment to supporting businesses in the region and preparing for any eventuality Brexit may bring.”

A spokesperson from CLdN stated: “As we have shown and continue to deliver, we will deploy larger vessels or add more frequency to match demand to and from Ireland and will react immediately the market signals a requirement, as we see the Irish market as a core route in our portfolio.”