EMEA News
P&O Ferries Expands Services Inside ECA Zone
P&O Ferries has announced it will expand its North Sea freight routes, PD Ports reports, in a move that comes in contrast to recent announcements by other ferry operators that Emissions Control Area (ECA) rules are hitting business and leading to route closures.
P&O Ferries will add a new vessel to its freight route between PD Ports operated Teesport, in Northeast England, and Zeebrugge while it also expands capacity on its Teesport to Rotterdam route.
The company labelled the North Sea a key market and cited rail terminal improvements at Teesport and new vessel efficiency as elements in its decision.
"We are moving fast to capture the growth potential in the North Sea freight market and the new rail service complements our own market leading rail capability at our Zeebrugge hub.
"With our new daily service this exciting development allows us to provide customers with the opportunity to grow in a key geographical market in an environmentally-friendly way," said Janette Bell, commercial director for P&O Ferries.
The Mistral will supplement the current Teesport-Zeebrugge ferry, Boresong, meaning P&O Ferries will now run a daily service between the ports, up from 3 crossings per week.
In addition, the Estraden will replace P&O Ferries's current vessel serving the Teesport to Rotterdam route, increasing its capacity between the ports.
The new ships are said to have been chosen for their fuel efficiency, with an eye to new ECA regulations.
Guy Platten, UK Chamber of Shipping's CEO, said this month that "cack-handed implementation" of ECA rules was putting ferry companies at risk.
