First China-Scotland container service docks at Greenock Ocean Terminal

The first-ever direct container service connecting China and

voyage.

The new east and west bound freight route from Ningbo, China, arrived for

the first time at Scotland’s deepest container terminal on 27 August.

The service – a partnership between KC Liner Agencies, DKT Allseas and

China Xpress – transported imports including textiles, furniture, and toys for

the Scottish market.

The vessel has later departed on its route back to China transporting cases

of whiskey.

“It’s great to finally welcome this vital service to Greenock Ocean

Terminal,” said Jim McSporran, Clydeport Director at Peel Ports.

“Our terminal is the perfect fit for such a global trade connection, and

this is again shown by the significant volumes we will be helping ship back to

China.

“We believe this partnership will prove to be a hugely positive development

for businesses and customers, as well as boosting the wider supply chain, and we

look forward to continuing to work with our partners on this service in the

coming months.”

According to a recent statement from Peel Ports, the direct China-Scotland

sailings will significantly reduce transit times, compared to feeder services

via continental Europe or other southern UK ports.

Sailings will take place per month in each direction, calling at Ningbo,

and the Chinese city of Shenzhen, before arriving in Greenock via the container

terminal at the Port of Liverpool.

The route will be operated by six ships of about 1,600 TEU.

“We knew China Xpress was a service needed by many sectors, but still,

we’ve been amazed at the level of immediate interest,” added David Milne, KC

Group Shipping Managing Director.

“It’s been a phenomenal success for KC Group Shipping, but this is just the

first of many journeys and we need the support of Scottish importers and

exporters to safeguard the long-term future of this new service.

“Our direct trading link to China cuts through frustrating transhipment

delays which is a massive boost for Scottish businesses and can only help

consumers in these difficult times.”

Greenock Ocean Terminal currently has a throughput of 100,000 TEU a

year.

“The freight side of Greenock Ocean Terminal can often be overshadowed and

sometimes forgotten about because of the busy cruise ship schedule,” said

Councillor Stephen McCabe, leader of Inverclyde Council.

“The decision by KC Shipping to establish this direct link from Greenock to

China – the first in Scotland – combined with the visitor centre development and

ambitious Clyde Green Freeport bid is a ringing endorsement of Greenock and

Inverclyde as an important location for exports, imports and visitors and long

may that continue.”