London Medway, part of the Peel Ports Group, has reported a substantial increase in trade on its unaccompanied freight service between the UK and France in recent weeks amid ongoing Dover delays.

The cross-channel service, run by DFDS, saw a 34% increase in units in the last two weeks of July as congestion issues continue to plague the South East ports.

The rise in demand for the service, between Sheerness and Calais, has seen individual vessels carrying more than 200 units and the route has proven extremely popular as a much-needed solution to ongoing delays.

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

The volume increases on the service, which launched in June 2021, have exceeded market expectations and support Peel Ports’ long-term future in delivering a viable and sustainable alternative route for the UK’s supply chain.

Richard Goffin, Port Director at London Medway said, “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.” 

“We’ve become dangerously reliant on Dover and the Channel Tunnel, with 75% of the trailer freight market between north-west Europe and Britain passing through this pinch point,” said Richard.

Unaccompanied freight, which sees trailers and containers shipped without a driver, is seen by some in the transport industry as a major way of overcoming challenges with customs delays, driver shortages and storage.

Photos:
Top - London Medway Port Director, Richard Goffin.
Bottom - London Medway offers an alternative to Dover and the Channel Tunnel.