Increase in trade at London Medway

The cross-channel service, which is run by DFDS from London Medway, has seen a 34% increase in units in the last fortnight as congestion chokes the South East ports.

The route also experienced a 30% increase in unit volumes between April and June this year compared to the last six months of 2021, when Dover faced issues with P&O.

All of this is good news for Peel Ports which operates London Medway, as demand for its freight service exceeds market expectations, cementing the company’s aim to provide a viable alternative route for the UK’s supply chain.

“We’ve become dangerously reliant on Dover and the Channel Tunnel, with 75 per cent of the trailer freight market between north-west Europe and Britain passing through this pinch point,” said Richard Goffin, port director at London Medway.

“Peel Ports has argued for many years that the solution to the South East congestion is simple. Rather than travel as accompanied freight, cargo that is non-perishable can move on unaccompanied services through more reliable routes such as London Medway.

“Although the sea-leg is longer, routing via regional ports such as London Medway is just as efficient as the existing options through the Dover Straits, as road miles are reduced.

“These journeys also allow for clearance checks to be completed without the pressure of a 90 minute crossing increasing throughput and capacity.”