New maritime service improves links between China and Liverpool

DKT Allseas, part of Oldham-based Allseas Global Logistics, has announced it will operate a number of supply chain-critical container vessel sailings from Shanghai and Ningbo in China to Liverpool.

The first service is due to depart Shanghai on April 4, with two additional sailings on the April 22 and 25.

The new initiative by DKT Allseas, is intended to provide relief to customers who are facing increased ocean freight rates, as well as, reduced reliability due to the knock-on impacts of the global pandemic.

The service will have a 28-day transit time and the vessels will be feeder size, rather than panama or larger.

This will offer multiple benefits to cargo owners, says Allseas, as it will significantly reduce the chance of port delays as there are no multi-port callings, and will ship directly into the heart of the UK market, where many of Allseas’ customers are located.

It also offers a guarantee that once space is booked, the cargo will be shipped.

Darren Wright, Allseas Global Logistics managing director, said: “This service, which is under our own direct charter, has been born out of necessity and frustration with the current supply and demand issue.
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“We hope that the demand, particularly by North UK customers, can support a longer term, frequent niche service from China direct into Liverpool.”

Port owner, Peel Ports, believes the new service will offer customers greater reliability and competitive freight options.

The Port of Liverpool is uniquely positioned to offer proximity to market benefits, which will allow goods to reach their end destination more reliably.

This is a need which has been crucial in response to demand patterns that have been seen this year.

A port’s proximity to markets also has other indirect benefits, not only acting as a strategic gateway, but as a facilitator of supply chain activity, and as a catalyst for reducing carbon emissions of a journey.

DKT Allseas said it understands the importance of building supply chain resilience, moving away from the UK’s historical over-reliance on southern ports, and moving their customers’ cargo entry point to ports which are closer to the end destination.

David Huck, Peel Ports managing director, said: “Cargo owners need assurance during these challenging times that their supply chain partners can be both reliable and provide innovative solutions to mitigate the effects of the pandemic.

“The Port of Liverpool continues to demonstrate its strength, agility and resiliency to relieve pressure on traditional routes and provide a gateway direct into the heart of the cargo-owning community of the UK.”

He added: “We continue to play a vital part in the transformation of UK logistics by enabling innovative solutions like this”.