Multimodal transport operator Samskip reintroduces direct short-sea links between Amsterdam and Hull, in the UK. This is in response to recovering traffic between the UK and north-European countries. Especially when it comes to containerised cargo, an upward trend can be observed.

Starting from 5 September, the three-times weekly service will depart from the TMA Terminal Amsterdam and connect into Associated British Ports’ terminal at Queen Elizabeth Dock, Hull. The Amsterdam-Hull link was suspended in March, as lockdown impacted on volumes across UK container and ferry trades.

More containers

Despite the dropping volumes, an increased interest in containerised traffic emerged, explains the multimodal operator. “While the total market dropped, the reliability of multimodal transport into the UK persuaded new shippers to convert from trailers to containers during lockdown, especially from Italy,” says David Besseling, Samskip Head of UK Trade.

“Some trades remain subdued, but structural volumes from the paper, construction and chemicals sectors are returning to pre-COVID levels: the time is right to re-establish Amsterdam-Hull as a distinct and robust intermodal product for the post-Brexit era.”

Amsterdam-Duisburg shuttle

Samskip notes that the short-sea relaunch also follows hard on the heels of last week’s debut of a dedicated rail shuttle between Duisburg and Amsterdam, in collaboration with Nunner Logistics. “Nunner operates weekly trains from the Chinese cities of Xi’an and Changsha to Duisburg and is seeking to take share from deep sea and air freight service providers”, the company says.

Besseling adds that Chinese exports by rail to North Europe are increasing fast, adding that the Duisburg-Amsterdam rail service creates the seaport link for the UK to participate in a routing alternative with strong potential for growth.