Ghent added to Containerships Mediterranean service

Containerships will add the port of Ghent to its Mediterranean service as from week 41, 2009.

Following the full acquisition of Contaz Maritime Transport & Trade S.A. of Turkey, Containerships started its Europe-Mediterranean service late March 2009. Initially operated with 2 vessels, this service now employs 3 vessels offering departures every 9 days.
The adjusted schedule will be Ghent – Tilbury – Teesport – Rotterdam – Piraeus – Istanbul (Kumport) – Izmir – Rades – Salerno – Ghent.

In the Mediterranean Containerships also operates service to Libya with 2 container vessels and 2 multipurpose vessels offering departures every 5 days with a transit time of 4 to 7 days between Istanbul, Izmir, Benghazi, Misurata and Tripoli. Transhipment for European cargo is made in Istanbul.

Announcing the news, Mr. Sigurjón Markusson, CEO of Containerships explains the background of this additional call in Ghent:

“Ghent will improve our access to the Belgium and French markets which are significant trade areas to and from the Mediterranean and we have already received warm welcome from clients about this new connection and the short transit time it offers. Through the 50% ownership of the Ghent terminal by its mother company
(Containerships Finance) Containerships can ensure quick and efficient handling of cargo and vessels for the benefit of our customers.

We will continue introducing our unique 45ft pallet-wide equipment to the Mediterranean market as it brings economical and environmental advantages to our customers who can work with Containerships as the only door-to-door short-sea operator with coverage spanning from Baltic Sea to the Mediterranean”

(Source: Transport Weekly)