PSA Zeebrugge, Stora Enso Expand Cooperation

Belgium’s PSA Zeebrugge and Stora Enso have extended their cooperation, with PSA’s Zeebrugge International Port (ZIP) Multi-Purpose facilities now being the main hub for Stora Enso’s Short Sea System (4S) of shipping connections with effect from November 15.

With the consolidation of more services in Zeebrugge, the Stora Enso volumes in the port are expected to increase significantly. ZIP terminal will  Via the 4S shipping network be linked directly to several locations in Europe and beyond.

The expanded schedules of sailings from ZIP are as follows:

• Sweden (Goteborg): 4 calls/week;
• North Finland (Kemi,Oulu): 1 call/week;
• South Finland (Kotka,Rauma): 2 calls/week;
• Spain (Bilbao): 1 call/week;
• UK (Tilbury): 2 calls/week;
• Brazil (Portocel, Barra do Riacho, State of Espirito Santo): 3 calls/month;
• US (Philadelphia): 2 calls/month.

For the connections to Sweden and North Finland, Stora Enso will employ its own vessels operated by Swedish Orient Line (SOL) which will take charge of further commercializing those services.

Knut Hansen, Senior Vice President of Stora Enso Logistics, said: “We have always experienced great customer focus and flexibility at Zeebrugge port. This has been an important element in our decision. And of course the ideal location of the port with close proximity to the main sea lanes has been a decisive factor, especially when keeping in mind the new sulphur directives that will come into effect in January 2015.”

Press Release, Image: Port of Zeebrugge