P&O Ferries is set to significantly increase capacity on its London Tilbury–Rotterdam Europoort route, effective from 2nd March 2025. This strategic move aims to bolster freight services between the United Kingdom and the Netherlands, catering to growing demand and enhancing logistical efficiency.
Following the successful launch of the Tilbury–Europoort route in 2024, P&O Ferries will introduce a second vessel to the service. The ships, Norsky and Norstream, will operate this route, maintaining 12 sailings per week with daily departures from both Tilbury and Europoort. This addition is projected to boost capacity by up to 60%, providing substantial benefits to freight customers.
The enhanced schedule is designed to optimise freight operations:
- Tilbury to Europoort: Morning departures from Tilbury, arriving in Europoort by evening.
- Europoort to Tilbury: Evening departures from Europoort, arriving in Tilbury the following morning.
This timetable facilitates early morning unloading in London, allowing customers to maximise fleet utilisation and driver efficiency. Additionally, it offers increased opportunities for intermodal transport, integrating various modes of transportation to streamline the supply chain.
Peter Hebblethwaite, CEO of P&O Ferries, stated: “We are delighted to offer greater capacity to our freight customers on our successful service between Tilbury and Europoort. The schedule provides early morning unloading for London, giving customers more options to make the best use of their fleet and their drivers’ time—along with more opportunities for intermodal transport.”
He further emphasised the company’s commitment to assisting customers in optimising costs by ensuring smooth deliveries to the UK, adhering to port and customs processes, and maintaining efficiency during peak periods.
The vessels assigned to this route, Norsky and Norstream, are designed to handle increased freight volumes. While specific technical details are proprietary, these ships are equipped to meet the demands of modern freight transportation, ensuring reliability and efficiency.
This capacity enhancement aligns with P&O Ferries’ broader strategy to strengthen its position in the European freight market. By expanding the Tilbury–Europoort route, the company not only addresses current demand but also sets the stage for future growth in UK–Europe trade relations.
P&O Ferries’ decision to augment capacity on the Tilbury–Europoort route underscores its dedication to providing superior service to freight customers. The introduction of a second vessel and the maintenance of a robust sailing schedule reflect the company’s proactive approach to meeting market needs and enhancing logistical efficiency.
Mark Salisbury, Editor
