Image: The president of Suardiaz, Juan Riva; the president of the port of Vigo, Carlos Botana, and the person in charge of the Stellanis Vigo plant, Ignacio Bueno
The maritime logistics landscape sees a groundbreaking addition as Suardiaz inaugurates the Vigo-Liverpool route, connecting the Spanish port of Vigo to Liverpool, UK. The vessel “Friedrich Russ” is set to transport a significant 86% of components crucial for manufacturing over 50,000 annually of Citroën, Peugeot, Opel, and Vauxhall light commercial vehicles at Stellantis’ Ellesmere Port facility.
“The maiden voyage of the “Friedrich Russ” marks the commencement of the Vigo-Liverpool maritime route by Suardiaz, delivering 86% of components for Stellantis’ Ellesmere Port plant.“
The logistical operations kick off after successful testing at the Queen Elizabeth II terminal in Liverpool, tailored for this specific ro-ro logistics flow. The ceremony, attended by top executives from Suardíaz, Stellantis Vigo, Port of Vigo, and the Galician Automotive Cluster (CEAGA), officially marks the initiation of this vital route.
Suardíaz plans to conduct two weekly trips, transporting up to 14,700 trailers annually. This maritime initiative aligns with Stellantis’ Dare Forward 2030 Strategic Plan, targeting a 30% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to road transport, and a 37% decrease in energy consumption over a year.
The collaboration between Suardíaz and Stellantis in designing this route underscores their extensive experience dating back to 1973 when they initiated the Vigo-Saint Nazaire route, celebrating its 50th year in operation.
Through this supply chain, Stellantis Vigo will dispatch 47 references of sheet metal parts, constituting 83% of the vehicle body. Galicia-based tier1 suppliers will contribute 86% of the components for vehicle assembly, totaling a yearly business volume exceeding €150 million.
Juan Riva, President of Suardiaz, expressed the historical significance of this maritime connection, emphasizing Suardiaz’s commitment to the automotive industry’s logistical demands. He highlighted the environmental impact, reducing over 14,000 trucks on European and British roads, contributing to Suardiaz’s commitment to decarbonization and sustainability.
Ignacio Bueno, Director of Stellantis Vigo, and Patricia Moreira, President of CEAGA, echoed the positive implications for Galician suppliers and the strategic access to the UK market. Carlos Botana, President of the Port Authority of Vigo, emphasized the sustainability aspect, aligning with the Blue Growth project.
In some last words, this new maritime route not only fortifies the automotive industry in Galicia but also establishes a sustainable and direct link between Vigo and a crucial UK market.
Source: APVigo
