News / Unifeeder launches UK-Poland service to help shippers over Brexit

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In its first network development since it was acquired by DP World, shortsea and feeder shipping line Unifeeder is to launch a new service, between London Gateway and the Polish port of Gdynia.

The inaugural sailing is set for 22 February, with a weekly schedule that will see Unifeeder vessels depart Gdynia on Friday evenings and arrive at London Gateway on Mondays.

The carrier said the new service was being launched as shippers and freight service providers faced considerable supply chain uncertainty over the Brexit process.

“Recent developments around the vote in the UK Parliament against the Brexit agreement between the UK and the European Union might have a serious impact on supply chains to and from the UK,” it said.

“This new connection is part of Unifeeder’s strategy to provide a competitive transport alternative for our customers, as well as, ensure a steady flow for their cargo to the UK, via multiple points of entry.”

Chris Lewis, DP World’s UK chief executive, said: “We are pleased to be working in conjunction with Unifeeder to offer its customers – and European importers and exporters more generally – a competitive alternate gateway into the UK.

“The port and its integrated logistics park offer unmatched road and rail links to the whole of the UK and a container terminal that places cargo owners and users at its heart.

“After five years of operations, the port is among the fastest-growing in the world and has a supporting infrastructure that has potential to assist those trading goods between the UK and Europe.”

Unifeeder currently offers UK calls at Grangemouth, South Shields, Teesport, Immingham and Felixstowe, which are connected with the continental hub ports of Hamburg, Rotterdam, Dunkirk and Antwerp.

Timm Niebergall, director of Unifeeder Shortsea, added: “DP World London Gateway is a true logistics hub, making it a powerful extension of Unifeeder’s network.”