London Container Terminal Bags New Reefer Service

London Container Terminal (LCT) in Tilbury has secured a new fast transit reefer service covering Pacific, New Zealand, Peru & US East Coast, according to UK Major Ports Group (UKMPG).

The Meridian service operated with eight 2,500 TEU capacity vessels, four of which have been specifically built for this reefer orientated service, makes its first call in the UK by the Seatrade Blue this week.

This new scheduled service will trim 9 days out of the existing New Zealand – UK connection alongside improving frequency of North-bound sailings from fortnightly to every 10 days.

The Meriden service, which will offer both reefer and dry cargo shipping, will have the following port rotation: Rotterdam, Dunkirk, Radicatel (Le Havre), Papeete, Noumea, Nelson, Napier, Tauranga, Callao, Paita, Philadelphia, Zeebrugge & Tilbury.

“Trade is a significant pillar of the UK/NZ relationship – both historically and looking at opportunities in the future. This new service which reduces travel time will help to ensure trade flourishes,” Sir Jerry Mateparae, New Zealand High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, said.