Efret expands e-commerce operation following continued growth

Date: July 19, 2025 By admin Categories: Uncategorized No comments

Efret, the pan-European transport specialist, has announced an expansion of its e-commerce operations after achieving significant milestones with global online retailers – including a 99% on-time performance score for Amazon and continued growth with Cainiao.

The move follows recognition from Amazon Relay, the programme which named Efret a “pioneer of European transport solutions” in 2024. Efret has been a trusted Amazon partner since 2012 and a key contributor to its ‘Light Weight’ programme since 2017, offering flexible 7.5-tonne truck solutions that navigate strict weekend driving bans and regional transport regulations.

Efret CEO & Co-Founder Alain Jestin reflected on the evolution of their partnership with Amazon:

“Relay was a game changer for us – streamlining communication into a single portal, reducing admin hours, cutting down human error, and mitigating the risks of delays. Our 99% on-time performance shows what’s possible when technology and commitment align.”

In parallel, Efret’s partnership with Cainiao, Alibaba Group’s logistics arm, has grown rapidly as they scale their European presence. Efret provides tailored road freight and customs clearance solutions, supporting Cainiao’s expanding cross-border e-commerce network.

To meet rising demand and ensure continued excellence, Efret is expanding its e-commerce focus across multiple areas, including:

• Expanding the e-commerce team with additional traffic coordinators / account managers focused on high-volume e-commerce flows.
• Growing its digital freight platform capabilities, further optimising tools that integrate directly with Amazon Relay and Cainiao’s logistics systems.
• Strengthening operational cover to ensure resilience during peak trading periods.

Efret currently operates high-spec, high security mega trailers, vans and 7.5-tonne trucks, delivering approximately 200 e-commerce loads weekly, with capacity surging by 30% during peak seasons. Its growth strategy is rooted in operational agility, automation, and customer-centric service.

“Achieving consistent performance at scale for Amazon and Cainiao proves that our model works,” Jestin added. “Expanding our e-commerce team ensures we keep delivering the quality and speed today’s retail giants demand.”

CLdN to further expand its Teesport service

Date: July 19, 2025 By admin Categories: Uncategorized No comments

Not only is CLdN exploring an expansion of its Zeebrugge – Teesport route, but is also considering setting up a new Rotterdam – Teesport freight route if customer demand proves to be supportive.

CLdN launched its Zeebrugge – Teesport service in 2023 and expanded capacity on the route earlier this year. The line provides direct and reliable access for freight units to and from the Northeast of England and Scotland. A long-term agreement with PD Ports, the owners of Teesport, enables CLdN to offer its customers a robust and stable service.

Offering one of the deepest general-purpose quays in the UK and lock free access to the North Sea via the River Tees, Teesport is the UK’s sixth largest port. With a 50-year track record of offering a successful European ferry service, PD Ports also offers a complementary on-site intermodal rail terminal enabling direct access to the UK’s national rail network, including two train departures to Scotland per day, and comprehensive logistics services.

CLdN is the leading provider of RoRo freight connections between mainland Europe and the East coast of the UK. At Zeebrugge, customers can place their cargo in one terminal hub and choose to ship to any one of CLdN’s three terminals on the East coast of England: Purfleet (London), Killingholme (Humberside) and Teesport, offering significant ‘last mile’ logistics benefits by avoiding road mileage and unnecessary CO2 emissions.

Gary Walker, Chief Operating Officer of CLdN’s shipping activities, commented:

“The arrival of the two new 8.400 lane metre hybrid RoRo newbuilds (MV Chaumine and MV Leonine) has further enhanced our ability to ship unaccompanied freight across the North Sea with lower CO2 emissions than any of our competitors. With three access points from Zeebrugge and two from Rotterdam, we offer customers the most complete array of freight services to and from the East coast of England with excellent transshipment possibilities to other destinations. We are looking forward to providing expanded solutions for customers on this important Zeebrugge – Teesport route and will also be happy to look at possibilities for a new Teesport service from Rotterdam depending on customer interest.”

Frans Calje, Chief Executive Officer at PD Ports, added:

“Teesport is a vital link for trade flows between the north of England to mainland Europe and beyond, serving key markets. We are pleased to support CLdN as they look to strengthen this vital ferry route and build an efficient and resilient network, ensuring cargo continues to move seamlessly across the North Sea, supporting regional growth and global trade.”

Manfreight in major fleet upgrade

Date: July 19, 2025 By admin Categories: Uncategorized No comments

Craigavon-based logistics company Manfreight Limited has rolled out a major upgrade to its vehicle fleet as part of a multi-million funding injection from Lombard, including introducing the UK’s first all-electric semi-trailer.

Manfreight has used a lease purchase facility from Lombard to fund the purchase of 50 new FH500 Aero Trucks and 100 Schmitz Cargobull trailers to be paired with the trucks.

These additions to its 900-strong fleet mark a significant milestone in the company’s efforts to achieve net zero emissions by 2045, while improving fuel efficiency and on-road performance.

Manfreight provides transport logistics for ambient, chilled and frozen goods. It counts the main agri-food producers in Northern Ireland among its network of customers across the UK, Ireland and mainland Europe.

One of the UK and Ireland’s largest privately owned logistics companies, the expansion of Manfreight’s fleet follows the 2024 opening of its state-of-the-art chilled warehouse in Belfast Harbour, which features advanced refrigeration systems and integrated solar infrastructure.

Chris Slowey, Managing Director at Manfreight, said:

“We are proud to be at the forefront of sustainable logistics – and by integrating the latest green technologies into our operations, we are not only supporting Belfast Harbour’s Net Zero commitment, but also providing our customers with reliable and sustainable transport solutions. We are hugely grateful to Lombard for the support throughout this process.”

Declan Napier, Relationship Manager at Lombard, said:

“We’re thrilled to support Manfreight as it continues to modernise its fleet, allowing the team to improve efficiency while minimising environmental impact. The business’ approach to sustainability is truly innovative, and we look forward to continuing to support the team as they strive to become a net zero business.”

JHS Logistics cuts breakdown repair time with TNS 365

Date: July 19, 2025 By admin Categories: Uncategorized No comments

A port logistics provider says it has significantly reduced vehicle downtime after switching to a new breakdown repair and recovery specialist.

Based in Southampton, JHS Logistics operates nationwide, providing container haulage and other logistics services to all major UK ports. The company runs a fleet of 44 tractors and 50 trailers, comprised of skeletal and splitter units for dual containers.

The company decided to try TNS 365’s breakdown cover after feeling let down by its previous provider. “We felt that we were not getting value for money from our existing provider,” said Scott Manser, operations manager for JHS Logistics. “We liked TNS 365’s business model so it was a no-brainer for us to give it a try.”

Unlike many other providers, TNS 365 is pay-as-you-go rather than subscription-based, helping hauliers to keep costs down. Users simply log a breakdown online, upload details and images, and TNS 365 does the rest.

“The way the platform is set up is perfect for us,” added Scott. “We just log into the system, record our breakdown and upload the photos. Being able to add pictures is great as it means the mechanic can see which parts they need to bring to the vehicle – which has massively reduced downtime. With our previous provider, they would often come out, take a look, realise they didn’t have the right part and then would have to go back for it.”

TNS 365 is a specialist in commercial vehicle and trailer breakdown repair. The company has an extensive network of dedicated commercial vehicle technicians, meaning that the JHS vehicles are never more than 90 minutes from a mechanic – and most are less than an hour away.

“I would definitely recommend TNS 365,” said Scott. “In fact, I have offered to talk to any of their prospective customers to explain exactly how we have benefited from their services.

“It has been brilliant since day one; we’ve had zero problems and are very happy with it.  It is a modern and up to date system that is very easy and straightforward to use.”

TNS 365 provides comprehensive breakdown repair and recovery solutions, from small lightweight vans to large trucks and trailers. It also provides in – and out-of-hours call handling, and full network service management. Its call handling clients include tail lift providers, tyre fitters, HGV repair specialists and vehicle hire companies. Its breakdown customers include a wide range of commercial vehicle operators.

End of inland customs nightmare: Europa Road’s DAP Flow transforms UK-Europe trade

Date: July 19, 2025 By admin Categories: Uncategorized No comments

For British businesses shipping full loads to Europe, customs clearance has become a costly nightmare of detours, delays and cash flow disruption for their customer’s, hindering the appeal of buying from the UK.

Europa Road’s revolutionary DAP Flow service changes everything – clearing customs directly in Calais so goods travel straight to their European destinations without the bureaucratic maze that has disrupted UK trade.

Europa Road is the specialist road freight division of pioneering, UK-headquartered, independent operator Europa Worldwide Group.

The innovative service transforms how full trailer loads move from the UK to Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg, France and Germany, eliminating the expensive inland customs stops that add days to delivery schedules and thousands to transport costs.

Jack Baxter, General Manager for Haulage at Europa Road, observes: “British businesses are still struggling with the extra red tape surrounding customs clearance when shipping using DAP incoterms. We work with materials suppliers, manufacturers and retailers who must pay for T-forms and transport their goods via third-party clearance facilities before delivery. This means appointing brokers, longer transit times and delays to time-critical consignments.”

The launch addresses a critical challenge facing UK exporters. Under traditional processes, trucks must take lengthy detours to inland customs points, adding hours or even days to delivery times while drivers wait in queues for paperwork processing. Businesses face additional transit form costs and importers face upfront VAT payments – all contributing to supply chain disruption and cash flow problems, ultimately making it less appealing for EU businesses to buy from the UK and creating a significant disadvantage for British exporters.

DAP Flow transforms this experience entirely.

By clearing customs in Calais, the service eliminates T-forms, removes the need for inland customs stops, and crucially, removes upfront VAT requirements – delivering faster transit times and improved cash flow for EU buyers of British goods.

Europa’s position as one of the largest commercial users of Eurotunnel’s Le Shuttle Freight service provides the foundation for this seamless operation. The company’s customs clearance site, strategically located in Calais, is fully integrated with advanced technology that enables real-time processing.

Since Brexit, Europa has successfully integrated its Leonardo software to transfer customs data directly into the Le Shuttle Freight IT infrastructure and border-related service offering to Border Control in France.

This means that as shipments travel through the tunnel, customs clearance processes simultaneously, creating an unparalleled level of efficiency.

“We want to streamline the process, cutting down on unnecessary deviations, costs and delays in transit so that businesses can focus on growth in new markets,” explains Baxter.

Adrian Redmile, Branch & Sales Director for Europa Worldwide Group, adds: “With most of our full load shipments being transported using DAP incoterms, we felt it was time to invest further to reduce the cost of deliveries and processing customs, while maintaining our market-leading transit times.”

The service represents another innovation milestone for Europa Road, building on the success of their DDP Europa Flow service launched in 2021, which now accounts for 50 per cent of all groupage transport leaving the UK. Earlier this year, the company also launched FCA Flow for full loads entering Belgium, Netherlands and Luxembourg from the UK.

Operating from their 27,000 sq ft transit hub in Dartford and serving more than 42 continental hubs with over 30,000 annual Channel crossings, Europa Road is positioned as one of the largest commercial users of Eurotunnel’s Le Shuttle Freight service.

As the first UK logistics provider to offer this streamlined DAP customs clearance process, Europa Road continues its pioneering approach to European road transport that began when the company was founded in 1966.

“This is why we created DAP Flow,” concludes the team. “No inland stops. No T-forms. No unexpected delays. Just a smoother, faster journey that saves time and money, so shipments arrive when they should – and businesses keep moving.”

DHL opens new facility in Dublin to support rapid growth of technology, life sciences and healthcare industries in Ireland 

Date: July 19, 2025 By admin Categories: Uncategorized No comments

DHL Supply Chain today announces the opening of a new multi-user facility in Dublin, as part of the €637 million investment into the UK & Ireland region. The site is optimised for customers in the technology, life sciences and healthcare sectors, and delivers a range of specialist services. 

These sectors are growing at pace, with a strong presence in Ireland which is host to 9 of the top 10 global software companies and 20 of the top 25 pharmaceutical companies in the world. The new Dublin-based site leverages DHL’s specialist services to directly address the unique needs of businesses in these industries. 

From expert compliance support to customs clearance tools to full supply chain visibility, DHL delivers the right programmes and solutions to enable seamless operations and informed decision-making at all stages. For example, life sciences and healthcare customers at the new site benefit from the guarantee of zero time out of refrigeration for relevant products, with unloading docks sealed to vehicles. This enables temperature to be fully maintained at all times, an innovative feature which sets an industry standard. 

Designed with sustainability at the fore, the building is certified as BREEAM ‘Excellent’ and LEED ‘Gold’, featuring several sustainable solutions including solar panels. The fleet operating out of the Dublin facility also harnesses renewable energy with a mix of electric vehicles and biomethane trucks helping to minimise carbon emissions on the road. DHL is also delivering innovative circular solutions, enabling DHL and its customers to extend the value and lifespan of products, reducing environmental impact by returning, recovering and reusing materials wherever possible. 

With over 265,000 square feet of operating space, including 60,000 square feet of mezzanine flooring and 33,000 pallet spaces, the facility is located at the Quantum Distribution Park in Kilshane. The site and its customers benefit from strong transport links, situated close to Dublin Airport, Dublin Inland Port and Dublin Port.

Patrick Corbett, Managing Director Ireland, DHL Supply Chain says, “As the technology, life sciences and healthcare sectors continue to scale rapidly in Ireland, we are delighted to be opening a cutting-edge facility that caters to their needs with our specialist services. These are sectors which need flexible and resilient operations and our innovative supply chain solutions help them to maximise growth opportunities while minimising risk. The new site has been designed with longevity in mind, building in sustainable solutions across warehousing and transport.”

Peter Burke TD, Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment said: “DHL’s latest investment in Ireland marks a bold step towards the future of sustainable and high-tech logistics. By embracing innovation and sustainability, DHL is not just expanding its footprint but setting new standards for the industry. DHL’s investment in their cutting-edge Quantum facility will support our drive to build on our nation’s international competitiveness.”

 Michael Lohan, CEO of IDA Ireland said: ‘’DHL’s announcement further cements Ireland’s position as a leading location for global firms in the supply chain industry. This new facility demonstrates DHL’s further commitment to embedding themselves in our vibrant business community.’’  

Port of Felixstowe welcomes The Premier Alliance

Date: July 22, 2025 By admin Categories: Uncategorized No comments

Hutchison Ports’ Port of Felixstowe has welcomed the first call by The Premier Alliance’s FE4 service between Asia and North Europe. The 24,000 TEU HMM Southampton arrived at the UK’s largest container port on 20 July 2025 from Singapore via the Cape of Good Hope.

The Premier Alliance was formed in February 2025 by Ocean Network Express (ONE), HMM (formerly Hyundai Merchant Marine) and Yang Ming. The alliance is a five-year extension of their previous partnership and aims to deliver a reliable and flexible service with expanded global coverage.

Commenting on the new service, Clemence Cheng, Executive Director of Hutchison Ports and Port of Felixstowe CEO, said:

“The Port of Felixstowe has long been the leading UK port for trade with Asia and we are delighted to welcome the Premier Alliance to our roster of services. The FE4 service adds further options for shippers through Felixstowe and Felixstowe provides the Premier Alliance with first-class facilities as well as the deepest channel and quayside facilities in the UK.

“The unique extent of the deep-water access at Felixstowe is particularly important for services such as the FE4 which call at the UK as first port in Europe. They offer shippers the quickest transit times but arrive with the deepest drafts. Using Felixstowe avoids congestion and minimises delay.”

Peter Livey, HMM Managing Director (Great Britain), said:

“We are proud to see the HMM Southampton inaugurate the FE4 service at the Port of Felixstowe. This marks a significant milestone in our commitment to delivering efficient and reliable shipping solutions across Asia and Europe. The FE4 service enhances our UK calling capabilities by offering faster transit times and first port access at Felixstowe. This additional call complements our existing UK port coverage and allows us to offer greater flexibility and resilience to our customers.”

Takahiro Kikuchi, Managing Director of Ocean Network Express (Europe) Ltd, said:

“We are pleased to be offering a new UK port call at Felixstowe as part of our FE4 Asia-Europe service. This service, operated in partnership with the Premier Alliance, presents new opportunities to ONE and our customers. We look forward to successful collaboration with the Port of Felixstowe.”

Jack Wu, Managing Director of Yang Ming (UK) Ltd, said:

“The Port of Felixstowe is the historical UK port of call for Yang Ming and we are delighted to be returning with the Premier Alliance updated FE4 loop. This allows us to provide an enhanced level of service scope, complementing our existing services. We look forward to working with the Port of Felixstowe in ensuring the highest quality of service to our customers.” 

The full port rotation of the FE4 service is Felixstowe, Rotterdam, Hamburg, Le Havre, Algeciras, Singapore, Kaohsiung, Shanghai, Ningbo, Kaohsiung, Yantian, Cai Mep, Singapore, Felixstowe.

AIT invests in 35 new tractor units

Date: July 22, 2025 By admin Categories: Uncategorized No comments

AIT Home Delivery has taken delivery of 35 new MAN TGS 4×2 tractor units as part of a strategic move to enhance fleet efficiency, reduce operational costs, and support the company’s sustainability goals.

The new vehicles—acquired on a three-year lease—replace the company’s previous MAN TGX 6×2 trucks, which had been operated over three generations. All 35 units are part of the fourth-generation fleet operated with MAN, underlining AIT’s long-standing partnership with the vehicle manufacturer.

All of the trucks are now in operation and fully wrapped in AIT’s new livery.

“This marks a step-change in our fleet strategy,” said Gary McKelvey, AIT’s Vice President Global Home Delivery. “The move to 4×2 configuration brings significant benefits in terms of payload flexibility, fuel economy, and operating costs—all of which are key in a highly demanding final-mile logistics environment.”

The shift from 6×2 to 4×2 brings a host of operational improvements:

• Reduced unladen weight allows for higher legal payloads.
• Improved fuel efficiency thanks to lower rolling resistance and drivetrain drag.
• Lower maintenance costs with fewer components such as tyres, axles, and brake systems.
• Enhanced manoeuvrability—critical in tight depot and urban environments.
• Simplified mechanical configuration, making maintenance quicker and more cost-effective.

The new fleet is also dual-fuel capable, allowing operation on both diesel and HVO (hydrotreated vegetable oil). AIT is currently trialling five of the units on HVO, with early results showing strong performance and improved fuel economy, without any noticeable reduction in vehicle performance.

“We’re seeing very encouraging data in the HVO trial,” Gary McKelvey added.

“It supports our wider ESG goals and positions us to offer low-emission delivery options to clients.”

While HVO currently comes at a modest premium—125ppl versus diesel at 102ppl—the up to 90% CO₂ reduction it offers over fossil fuels makes it a compelling proposition for AIT and its sustainability-focused clients.

The HVO trial will expand to include key trunking routes from Northampton supporting major clients. The results will inform broader adoption across the fleet.

“This investment reflects our global commitment to innovation, sustainability, and operational excellence,” said Ryan Carter, Executive Vice President, Americas.

“As AIT Home Delivery continues to grow its footprint in the UK, aligning our fleet strategy with performance and environmental impact ensures we’re delivering long-term value to customers and communities alike.”

Committed to sustainability, AIT has also introduced a series of recycling initiatives, such as the removal of skips at sites and individual waste contracts and the designation of one central location and a single waste management company for collating general waste. Meanwhile, three sites have installed balers for cardboard and plastic recycling, all WEEE Goods are sent to one supplier so the components can be broken down for recycling, and all retrieved mattresses and sofas are sent for recycling.

Panther Logistics became AIT Home Delivery in July 2024 after it was acquired by US-based AIT Worldwide Logistics in 2020 – the latest chapter in the two-person delivery specialist’s history.

Wincanton and Nkuku extend partnership five years

Date: July 22, 2025 By admin Categories: Uncategorized No comments

Wincanton has announced the extension of its omnichannel partnership with Nkuku, the leading retailer of ethically sourced and handcrafted homeware, for a further five years.

Under the new contract, Wincanton will continue to provide B2B and B2C fulfilment services from its specialist omnichannel facility in Northamptonshire, including the receipt of stock, storage and dispatch of goods directly to Nkuku’s ecommerce customers and leading high-street retailers.

Founded in 2003 by Alistair and Alex Cooke, Nkuku is a certified B Corp that works with a range of suppliers and artisans throughout the world.

The partnership with Wincanton, which began in 2022, has delivered strong operational performance across three consecutive peak trading periods, culminating in Nkuku’s highest performance and volume in 2024, with Wincanton processing over 135,000 orders and achieving over 95% on-time delivery.

Wincanton’s expertise in omnichannel fulfilment and its tailored, scalable service model has enabled Nkuku to meet customer demand whilst maintaining high operational standards.

Carl Moore, Managing Director – eFulfilment, at Wincanton, said:

“We are delighted to extend our relationship with such a fast-growing brand like Nkuku, which has become one of the UK’s most purpose-driven retailers. Our partnership has a strong cultural fit and is truly collaborative, and we look forward to supporting the company’s ethical and environmental commitments through our own ongoing investment in sustainable operations.

“Together, we’re building a resilient platform for growth to support Nkuku’s ambitions.”

Chris Wilson, Operations and Impact Director at Nkuku added:

“Wincanton has consistently delivered outstanding service over the past three years, and we are thrilled to be extending our partnership for a further five years. Their team has developed a deep understanding of Nkuku’s operational needs, and together we’ve built a seamless, collaborative relationship. This renewed commitment reflects the strength of our shared values and the success of working as one integrated team to deliver on our supply chain ambitions.”

Swissport acquires ASC, strengthening its position in London

Date: July 23, 2025 By admin Categories: Uncategorized No comments

Swissport has signed binding transaction agreements to acquire ASC, which provides ground handling and cargo services in London Heathrow and Gatwick airports. 

Heathrow is the fifth largest airport worldwide by passenger volume and more than 60% of Britain’s air freight goes through London’s airports. Gatwick is the UK’s second busiest airport carrying 43 million passengers to over 200 destinations annually.

This strategic acquisition sets Swissport up for continued growth in both ground and cargo handling at London’s hub airports. Specifically, the transaction provides additional capability to Swissport’s ground handling operations which will further enhance its position as a resilient and innovative partner to airlines and airports and gives it access to additional cargo capacity at two warehouses at London Heathrow. 

“The UK is one of our core markets worldwide. Strengthening our presence in the country is a key pillar of our growth strategy. Swissport has a clear M&A strategy to enhance our platform in markets where we can optimise growth, margin and resilience across the portfolio. We will continue to pursue our ambitious expansion agenda by combining strong organic growth and strategic M&A in critical geographic markets across our ground handling, cargo and hospitality businesses globally providing a world class service to our customers,” said Warwick Brady, President & CEO of Swissport International.

Karen Cox, Swissport’s CEO for the UK and Ireland, commented:

“We are really excited about the opportunities this agreement provides to enhance our services and further grow our offerings in the UK. Swissport and ASC share the same values of safety, operational excellence, customer focus and innovative technology solutions. This means brilliant opportunities for our employees as they are part of a growing, global company in a thriving sector. We are very much looking forward to welcoming ASC into the Swissport family.”

Ignazio Coraci, Chairman of the Board of ASC, said:

“This agreement will give our customers, employees and partners the opportunity to benefit from Swissport’s extensive global footprint with a broader range of services across its network. By combining our experienced teams with a proven track record of consistent high quality service delivery we will continue strengthening resilience and driving greater efficiency to our airline partners through our integrated and comprehensive service offering.”

This transaction is subject to customary closing conditions. 

Brookfield Asset Management sells 49% stake in PD Ports

Date: July 26, 2025 By admin Categories: Uncategorized No comments

PD Ports has announced that Pontegadea Inversiones, S.L. (“Pontegadea”) has agreed to acquire a 49% stake in the company from Brookfield Asset Management (“Brookfield”), subject to customary regulatory approvals. Brookfield will remain invested in the business and, as a long-term shareholder, will work closely with Pontegadea to support the continued growth of PD Ports.

PD Ports contributes £1.4 billion annually to the Teesside economy, supporting 22,000 jobs in the wider supply chain and directly employing more than 1,400 people across 11 UK sites. As the Statutory Harbour Authority for the River Tees, PD Ports ensures the river is safe and navigable, helping to generate economic growth and build a legacy for future generations

Frans Calje, CEO of PD Ports said:

“This deal signals a bold new chapter for PD Ports – one that builds on our proud heritage and sets a confident course for the future. We look forward to working with our new shareholder to drive the continued growth of our business. PD Ports’ ability to attract a high-quality investor is a powerful endorsement of the business, its people and its long-term vision. While we have successful operations around the UK – including Groveport, Felixstowe and the Isle of Wight – we are firmly anchored in Teesside and will continue to make targeted investments in our sites and our operations here and around the UK.”

Pontegadea is a leading investment firm, with assets located across the globe and in different sectors such as real estate, retail, energy transition and infrastructure. This transaction, a further step for Pontegadea’s global strategy of investment diversification, consolidates its commitment to invest in innovative infrastructures with solid partners of international renown. Pontegadea has significant experience working with scaled businesses, holding stakes in companies such as Inditex, Enagás, REN, Redeia, and Q-Park.

WEC Lines connects Ireland, Belgium and France

Date: July 28, 2025 By admin Categories: Uncategorized No comments

WEC Lines has launched a new service linking Dublin, Le Havre and Zeebrugge.

The new weekly service will be performed by a 612-TEU owned vessel in a fixed 7-day rotation, departing Zeebrugge on Thursdays, arriving in Dublin on Sundays and Le Havre on Wednesdays, providing clients with a heightened level of flexibility and efficiency, such as rapid end-mile delivery.

Dublin will now be called three times a week, as it is also a port of call in the existing Spanish and Portuguese services. Overall, WEC Lines’ commitment to the Irish Sea network will ensure a premium service to its clients.

Roger Megann, Managing Director WEC Lines UK & Ireland, said:

“WEC Lines has been active in the Irish market for over 30 years from Portugal. In 2024, we launched a dedicated Bilbao call connecting Dublin, facilitating onward linkages to and from inland Spain and the Canaries.

“2025 will see the launch of this new service connecting Dublin to Zeebrugge and will also extend our reach to the surrounding European hinterland, further demonstrating WEC Lines’ commitment to Ireland as we grow the wider network that will see our range eventually extend to the Baltics and beyond whilst continuing to develop our markets of Portugal, Spain, Morocco and Africa.

By calling Le Havre, WEC Lines offers a sustainable alternative to trucking. WEC Lines now calls Le Havre twice a week, offers a fixed weekly Montoir call, and with its local Nantes office, it is further establishing its position in France. What’s more, the Zeebrugge-Dublin connection provides a reliable opportunity in avoiding the congested ports of Antwerp and Rotterdam for westbound shipments.

Philip Collet, General Manager WEC Belgium, adds:

“Zeebrugge offers an easy port approach, strong multimodal connectivity to the hinterland, a short transit time to Ireland, and has historically served as a hub for trade with Ireland. It is therefore a logical step in ensuring a premium service to our clients.