Maersk Line, the world’s largest container shipping line, has switched the UK call of its Samba service from Tilbury to DP World London Gateway Port. The first call on the service will be made by the Maersk Lanco on Monday, March 21.
The rotation of the service includes calls at Santos, Paranagua, Itajal, Buenos Aires, Montevideo, Rio Grande, Santos, Pecem, Algeciras, Rotterdam, DP World London Gateway Port, Bremerhaven, Antwerp, Algeciras and Santos.
DP World London Gateway’s ability to efficiently handle and inspect high volumes of refrigerated containers has contributed to Maersk Line shifting the UK port of call on this service.
Quick truck turnaround times, less dwell time on containers before they are inspected and state- of-the-art inspection facilities will lead to a fast and reliable port service for customers.
The opening of Berth Three at the port later this year will further enhance the service offering already available at the market-centric facility, located just 10 miles from the M25.
Simon Moore, CEO, DP World London Gateway, said: “It is very pleasing that Maersk Line’s alterations to its Samba service will now see it call at DP World London Gateway Port.
“Maersk Line’s South Africa Europe Container Service has been calling here since 2013 and there are very clear advantages available to Maersk’s customers by calling at the UK’s newest, most advanced deep-sea port. Among these is our unrivalled ability to handle fresh produce and food products.
“Consistently low truck turnaround times and outstanding inspection services, coupled with our market-centric location and access to world class road and rail infrastructure, means products are delivered to market faster.”
Brian Godsafe, managing director, Maersk Line UK and Ireland, said: “We work with the ports that are able to support us in offering reliable services to our customers.
“We enjoy a good relationship with the team at DP World London Gateway Port and have been pleased and impressed with recent service levels. We are certain that the move will be of benefit to our customers using the Samba service in and out of South America.”