Fast boat to China

The new east and west bound freight route from Chinese ports to Greenock Ocean Terminal is a partnership between KC Liner Agencies, DKT Allseas and China Xpress.

The direct sailings will almost halve transit times, compared to feeder services via continental Europe or other southern UK ports.

David Milne, KC Group shipping managing director, called the move a ‘game-changer’. “The opportunities and benefits are endless, and this trade link could not have come at a better time for Scottish businesses.

“I’m constantly being told about the frustrations of delays at European ports, which hamper business operations and relationships for many. These frustrations will significantly reduce as a result of the China Xpress service.”

The maiden voyage from Ningbo, China, is scheduled to berth at Scotland’s deepest container terminal in late August. Three sailings per month in each direction will follow, calling at Ningbo and Shenzhen before arriving in Greenock via its sister container terminal at the Port of Liverpool.

The new service aims to cut the journey time from approximately 60 days to an estimated 33 days by eliminating delays in Rotterdam. The route will be operated by six ships of about 1,600 teus, helping boost food and drink exports as well as the oil and gas sector.