Peel Ports and Quality Freight UK have launched a container service between Liverpool and Ellesmere Port, an initiative that forms part of the Liverpool2 deepwater container terminal project.

The scheduled weekly run will be operated by BG Freight, one of the shipping lines within the Peel Ports Group. The new Friday service will link Seaforth and Ellesmere Port.

In addition, an existing Manchester Ship Canal service has been extended to three sailings per week to meet growing demand.

Opening in early 2016, Liverpool2 will be the UK’s most centrally located deepwater container terminal, doubling the capacity of the Port of Liverpool and allowing it to handle some of the largest container ships in the world.

Sebastian Gardiner, managing director of Quality Freight UK, said: “The volumes we are handling are growing year-on-year and this significantly increased service will help to meet the needs of existing and new customers at Ellesmere Port.

“One of the most exciting aspects is the opportunity to reduce the amount of traffic on the roads and clearing boxes from an area where potential bottlenecks and delays exist.

“We have estimated that the new and increased services have the potential to slash the number of road miles by up to half a million a year.”

Earlier this year, Quality Freight UK agreed a new long-term lease with Peel Ports. The company committed to a new 20-year lease at its 40-acre facility in Ellesmere Port.

Gardiner added: “The launch of the new container service is the culmination of an extremely busy 12 months at Quality Freight UK.

“We are excited to be playing an important role in the wider Liverpool2 project which promises so much for the region.”

Koert Luitwieler, chief executive of BG Freight Line, said: “We see this schedule as a huge step forward which will enable us to offer very reliable shipping solutions for our customers. The increased frequency on the canal and the introduction of Ellesmere Port will drive more and more containers from road/rail to environmentally friendly waterways.”

Quality Freight UK is part of the Quality Freight Group.

Source: Insider Media, 18 November 2015