For the first time, Scotland and China are linked on the same schedule. The new service, operated by a three-way partnership between DKT Allseas, China Xpress, and KC Liner Agencies, now connects the two locations without extra handling.
But where does this new service dock, and what does this mean for you?
The China to Scotland liner schedule
Chinese traders will now be able to ship directly to Scotland, with vessels berthing at the Port of Greenock. The liner schedule runs six vessels, with three going in each direction.
Commenting on the new service, David Milne, KC’s group shipping managing director, said:
“Our direct trading link to China cuts through frustrating transhipment delays which is a massive boost for Scottish businesses, and can only help consumers in these difficult times.”
And Jim McSporran, Clydeport director at Peel Ports, said:
“We believe this partnership will prove to be a hugely positive development for businesses and customers, as well as boosting the wider supply chain, and we look forward to continuing to work with our partners on this service in the coming months.”
Reduced risks and costs
Since the pandemic, freight rates have been much higher than the seasonal average. Although these are now reducing due to the rebalancing of equipment and the current economic crisis, the costs of sea freight are still too high for some businesses. Additional fuel costs for inland transport add to the overall freight, and the total has meant that some trade is not viable.
With the new China to Scotland liner schedule, these costs and risks are expected to be reduced. You now don’t need to wait for transhipment from a port in northern Europe, and won’t be affected by strikes across England’s sea and rail networks if you utilise English ports.
More opportunities for Scottish traders
Alongside the reduced risks and costs for general trade in Scotland, the new liner schedule could support recent initiatives for the area.
Greenock is part of the bid for the Clyde green freeport, which will form a free economic zone with Glasgow Airport and Mossend International Rail Freight Park if accepted. The freeport would mean that some companies in the area will benefit from reduced or removed taxes for some commodities, reducing trading costs even further.
Manufacturers in Scotland are already benefitting from the new liner schedule, with the maiden voyage loading over 10,000 cases of whiskey for export to the Far East. Exports of whiskey have grown by 20% over the last year and are the UK’s biggest exporter in the food and drink sector. Distillers have recently celebrated the removal of US tariffs on whiskey, and the direct link to China could open even more opportunities for them in foreign markets.
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