Rotterdam-based shipping and logistics giant CLdN has announced a strategic expansion of its services, reinforcing its commitment to facilitating seamless freight movement between key European hubs. The company is set to launch new lift-on/lift-off (LoLo) cargo services connecting Rotterdam to Ireland, alongside a capacity boost for its roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) fleet operating between Rotterdam and the UK.
New Routes Enhance Connectivity
CLdN has chartered two state-of-the-art 962 TEU LoLo cargo vessels, namely M/V Pavo J and M/V Andromeda J, to ply the routes between the recently acquired Distriport terminal in Rotterdam and major Irish ports, Dublin and Cork. The move comes in response to heightened customer demand for efficient freight transport between Ireland and mainland Europe.
The introduction of LoLo services not only responds to market demands but also brings operational benefits. The enhanced LoLo capacity will optimize the deployment of CLdN’s RoRo fleet, effectively increasing cargo capacity on the routes connecting Rotterdam to the UK.
Meeting Customer Demand
The decision to add two weekly LoLo sailings complements CLdN’s existing three RoRo sailings each week to and from Dublin. The company’s RoRo services will continue to operate from its dedicated terminal in Rotterdam. Additionally, the new LoLo service to Cork aligns seamlessly with CLdN’s established RoRo service from its Zeebrugge terminal.
These new services are poised to be operational from the week commencing March 18th, providing shippers with more options for timely and efficient cargo movement.
CLdN’s Impressive Irish Presence
CLdN has significantly expanded its footprint in the Irish trades since initiating its first cargo service to Ireland in 1999. In December of the previous year, the company announced a substantial expansion by adding 3.5 hectares of terminal area in Dublin. Presently, CLdN ships approximately 500,000 cargo units annually to and from Ireland, solidifying its position as the largest mover of ferry freight between Ireland and mainland Europe/Great Britain.
With the inclusion of the new services, CLdN will operate a robust schedule of direct sailings in both directions each week, connecting key ports as follows:
- Rotterdam ⟷ Dublin: 5 sailings
- Rotterdam ⟷ Cork: 1 sailing
- Zeebrugge ⟷ Dublin: 2 sailings
- Zeebrugge ⟷ Cork: 2 sailings
- Santander ⟷ Dublin: 2 sailings
- Liverpool ⟷ Dublin: 20 sailings
- Heysham ⟷ Dublin: 6 sailings
CEO’s Perspective
Florent Maes, CEO of CLdN, highlighted the significance of this capacity expansion, stating, “The addition of these services is a direct benefit of the recent Distriport acquisition and an example of CLdN’s ability to find innovative and timely solutions for its customers. The trade flows between Ireland and mainland Europe are significant, and CLdN is pleased to further expand its offering in this area.”
