
Peel Ports Group is committing £30 million to a transformative new Roll-on, Roll-off (RoRo) berth at the Port of Sheerness, a critical development aimed at meeting surging demand from both established and new clients. This bold move signals a clear intention to bolster the port’s infrastructure and maintain its pivotal role in UK and international logistics.
The project will feature the construction of an in-river vessel berth and a state-of-the-art floating pontoon, enabling the port to handle larger RoRo vessels exceeding 230 meters in length overall (LOA). This significant upgrade will cater to a diverse range of cargo, including automobiles, timber, construction machinery, project freight, and steel. It’s a clear nod to the growing complexity and scale of global supply chains.
Set to break ground in March 2025, the development process includes the removal of outdated infrastructure, extensive piling work, and the installation of a new pontoon. The berth is expected to be fully operational by the summer of 2025, seamlessly supporting Quarter Ramp and Stern Ramp vessels while enhancing the port’s overall capacity.
The Port of Sheerness already processes an impressive 300,000 vehicles annually, serving as a cornerstone of the UK’s automotive supply chain. The addition of the new berth will not only support this key industry but also free up adjacent berths to accommodate a broader range of cargo, ensuring smoother operations across multiple sectors. Clients like Volkswagen and CEVA, who rely heavily on Sheerness for their Southern UK operations, stand to benefit significantly.
Peel Ports is also exploring additional infrastructure improvements, such as a proposed rail siding connected to the main port estate via the Wildfire Bridge. This would further enhance multimodal transport options, boosting the port’s versatility and its ability to meet customer demands.
Richard Goffin, Port Director for Peel Ports Great Yarmouth and London Medway, emphasized the project’s strategic importance. “The Port of Sheerness plays a hugely important role in the handling and processing of a broad range of commodities, ensuring they reach their destination without delay,” Goffin stated. He added that this investment underlines the company’s commitment to expanding its services and solidifying its position as a leader in RoRo vessel handling.
This announcement comes on the heels of a new freight service launched by Finnlines in September, connecting Finland to Sheerness with hybrid RoRo vessels. These vessels, boasting a cargo capacity of 5,800 lane meters—or roughly 400 trailers—enhance the port’s network with shorter transit times and streamlined operations. This addition further underscores Sheerness’s critical role as a hub linking the UK to mainland Europe and beyond.
By investing in this new berth, Peel Ports is not just addressing current capacity constraints but laying the groundwork for long-term growth. The move signals confidence in Sheerness’s ability to adapt to market demands, ensuring it remains a cornerstone in the UK’s logistics landscape for years to come.