Forth Ports Limited and Port of Zeebrugge / MBZ signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) which marks the start of a strategic agreement between the Port companies with the aim of the exploring mutual opportunities to attract new container cargo volumes.
Both ports have complementary assets both in current trade arrangements and geographical positioning and through this MoU, Forth Ports and Port of Zeebrugge have agreed to explore initiatives to develop these current trade links and connections. The agreement will initially focus on enhancing container cargo volumes at Port of Zeebrugge and London Container Terminal (LCT) in Tilbury which is the UK’s 3rd largest container terminal.
Commenting on the MoU, Perry Glading, Chief Operating Officer at Forth Ports, said: “ This is great news and a real opportunity to capitalise on synergies at both Ports. Tilbury has a unique position in the UK at the heart of the London and South East markets. Using a regular feeder service from Zeebrugge we offer an alternative to large deep sea vessels who need only make one call at the Belgium ports for the onward feed service to the UK. We have a significant investment programme underway at LCT and have already installed a new ICT system, purchased 14 new straddle carriers and installed a new single lock gate. We look forward to working with MBZ at Zeebrugge on this important project.”
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Press Release, June 19, 2013