Ferry operator P&O is joining forces with Finnlines (see Rosslare expansion) to boost the flow of trade between Belgium and the UK by introducing new sailings on the Zeebrugge-Teesport route.
In response to increased customer demand, P&O Ferries will charter Finnlines’ ro-ro vessel MS Finnpulp for three days a week under a new services agreement. This move will increase the overall number of P&O Ferries sailings to six and give customers more options on the key trading route between Britain and mainland Europe.
Peter Hebblethwaite, Chief Executive of P&O Ferries, said: “We are delighted to announce that in co-operation with Finnlines we will support the UK and European economies by increasing freight capacity and strengthening resilience on the key Teesport – Zeebrugge route. This expansion of our services in response to what our customers are telling us they want demonstrates our commitment to providing vitally important trade routes for UK exporters and trading partners.”
“We have made changes to our business so that we can flex our offer in line with market demand and are now focused on growth. We are determined to make P&O Ferries the best ferry company in Europe, which means the best ships, the best routes and the best value for tourist and freight customers.”
Tom Pippingsköld, President and CEO of Finnlines Plc, added: “We have been pleased by our partnership in Zeebrugge since September 2021 and are delighted to strengthen it further by this contract. We are confident this will be a new and successful milestone for Finnlines and P&O Ferries co-operation on the North Sea.”
From 28th February the new sailings began, and operating on Tuesdays to Thursdays, ensuring freight customers will have an increased level of capacity during the midweek peak. MS Finnpulp has a capacity for 3,259 lane metres of cargo, equivalent to around 225 trailers.
On its return to Zeebrugge, the vessel will be discharged and loaded for Finnlines’ service between Zeebrugge and Rosslare Europort, Ireland. As part of the freight services partnership, P&O Ferries will also provide stevedoring and ship handling services for Finnlines’ Zeebrugge-Rosslare route.
P&O Ferries also operates routes between Zeebrugge and Tilbury and Zeebrugge and Hull respectively, giving it the most comprehensive North Sea coverage of any ferry operator.
