CMA CGM service expansion brings increased global trade

World`s third largest container shipping company offers growing links between Asia, north west UK and Ireland.

CMA CGM has backed Peel Ports` Liverpool2 development by doubling the frequency of its feeder service to the port. CMA CGM now offers twice-weekly calls in Liverpool from its hub in Le Havre, France, and a new weekly call at Greenock, Scotland, and Cork, Ireland. Weekly calls to Dublin and Belfast were already established.

The company`s expansion into Liverpool will take advantage of Peel Ports`s established Green Highway Network, a shuttle service which carries freight 44 miles inland using the Manchester Ship Canal.

Ross Thompson, commercial director of Peel Ports, said, "CMA CGM is a valued partner on vital Irish Sea routes, and this expansion demonstrates not only its commitment to Liverpool, but its confidence in the continuing growth in global trade to and from the port."

"Increasing capacity in this way means container carriers unloading at the completed Liverpool2 development from across the globe will benefit from rapid, seamless forwarding of goods to Ireland and Scotland, as well as on to Europe via CMA CGM`s hub in Le Havre."

"This development also shows the combined value of Peel Ports`s assets in Liverpool, Dublin, Belfast and Greenock and how these can serve the market around the Irish Sea Hub as well as providing a low-cost solution for empty containers to be returned by ship and refilled."

The new route will see deep sea containers - which have been transported to Europe from the Far East - coming in to the Port of Liverpool on a feeder service from Le Havre twice a week. The service will go on to call at Dublin, Belfast, Cork and Greenock once a week.

The service will also allow empty containers that would otherwise be moved to Greenock via road or rail to be transported by sea. These containers will serve the Scottish drinks export market, and be shipped back to the Far East. < Korea Shipping Gazette >