Southampton: SCH secures agreement with Neptune Lines for ro-ro service

Leading Southampton-based terminal operators SCH has secured a handling agreement to load and discharge all Neptune Lines ro-ro vessels calling in the Port of Southampton.

Neptune Lines is one of the leading independent car carrier operators in the short sea transportation sector worldwide. The company is a finished vehicle logistics provider, offering transportation and shipping solutions to manufacturers and shippers of cars and high and heavy cargoes.

Neptune’s fleet of PCTCs (Pure Car & Truck Carriers) is expected to call twice a week in the port on a European rotation that will continue to bring Renault-Nissan and Dacia vehicles through Southampton.

Neptune previously shared the traffic with Euro Marine Logistics (EML) but has now secured the full volume of UK vehicle imports, which is set to total around 30,000 units per year. Renault Nissan vehicles will be loaded in Spain, while Dacia units will be trans-shipped from Zeebrugge. The European port rotation comprises two separate legs that also include calls in Le Havre, Rosslare and Portbury.

SCH had previously discharged the proportion of traffic that was carried by EML but, from July 1, will handle the total volume, as exclusive stevedores to Neptune. The additional traffic confirms SCH’s role as Southampton’s leading independent handler of ro-ro traffic, responsible for around half the ro-ro volumes moving through the port.

In addition, SCH handles Ford traffic moving through the Port of Liverpool.

Director Lee Davis explained: “The addition of Neptune Lines to our list of customers will mean that we now handle 100% of the Renault Nissan traffic coming into the port and will provide another boost to our cargo volumes. Securing this work is a further reflection of the high levels of service and expertise that we are able to offer ro-ro shippers.”