Short sea operator A2B-online has launched a new container service operating three times a week from Botlek in the Netherlands to Teesport.
The multi-modal operator has acquired an additional container vessel for the new service that will operate between the Broekman terminal in Botlek to Teesport.
A2B-online already offers reliable short sea services from the port of Moerdijk to four UK ports including Teesport, London Thamesport, Immingham and Blyth.
A2B-online’s managing director Gerard de Groot said: “This is a fantastic add-on to our Moerdijk services.
“We are always looking for new opportunities, with the requirements of our customers and the hinterland connections always playing a vital role.”
Frans Calje, CEO of PD Ports, commented: “With a number of successful weekly sailings to Moerdijk with A2B-online already in place, we’re proud to continue to develop Teesport’s offering with this additional connection to Botlek.
“Complementing this new service is the Port’s intermodal rail terminal, which provides links to Scotland and Felixstowe, with further routes being established in line with market demand.
“We are looking forward to continuing to work with A2B-online to support their future growth.”
Rik Pek, director of Broekman Terminals, added: “The Broekman terminal is in the middle of a chemical cluster and is closely situated to intermodal facilities, with trains arriving from Italy and Germany.”
“We are excited about this development and we are very are much looking forward to the cooperation with A2B-online.”
Michael van Keulen, operations director of A2B-online, said the new service will be operated with the MS ‘A2B Ambition’, a Sietas 151-type of vessel of 501 TEU.
“At present, she is still in the Med but we expect her to arrive in Botlek in early May to start operations,” he added.
Kees Vierhouten, owner of the Vierhouten Group that owns A2B-online, said:“What I like is that the management of A2B-online is always trying to add value to their customers.
“With this new service, we do not only generate savings for the customers but it will reduce 30 million ton-kilometers per year that today is done by road. That is proof that A2B-online is progressive and has ambition.”
