Containerships, part of the global CMA CGM shipping group has started a new freight service between the UK and France.

As a result, vessels are now running Monday to Friday between Dunkirk, Bristol and Liverpool.

This new connection means Liverpool is positioned as a new gateway for food and goods in the north of the UK. With this in mind, goods arriving in the port on a Friday will reach shops by Monday morning.

The new freight service avoids the congestion that has been seen at ports on the south coast.

Peel Ports, owner of the Port of Liverpool, believes the route will help minimise the impact of external pressures. For example, stresses on supply chains due to the pandemic and Brexit can be eased.

“Brexit and COVID-19 highlight the vulnerability of supply chains to disruption,” said David Huck, Peel Ports Group MD.  

“We continue to work closely with the world’s leading shipping lines to encourage more services to the Port of Liverpool,” he added.

In addition, Huck stated the company was now moving forward with plans for 150 new skilled jobs on Merseyside. “The addition of another service connecting our port with mainland Europe is the result of our continued investment,” he confirmed.

Rob Waterman, chief executive of Containerships, was pleased for his customers and the public. “We are always looking for new ways to provide our customers with differentiated services, fast transit times and efficient access to their inland destinations.”