Ferry Traffic Switch Forecast

25th September 1964, Page 92

25th September 1964

Page 92

Page 92, 25th September 1964 — Ferry Traffic Switch Forecast

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RESEARCH into the prospects of proposed new shipping services on the Hull-Rotterdam and Hull-Gothenburg routes have led experts to the conclusion that they will result in a big uplift in traffic through the port of Kingston upon Hull. A number of manufacturers having large regular shipments to North Western Europe and the Netherlands are reported to have promised to use the facilities. Undoubtedly, many exporters in the north will welcome the opportunity of reducing the length of the road haul and avoiding various highly congested areas. According to current forecasts, states a special correspondent, it appears likely there will be a nbt inconsiderable switch of traffic from the Tilbury route to the Humber.

Haulage interests in the East Riding and elsewhere are examining new possibilities opened up by the proposed services and at the same time are endeavouring to assess changes that may develop in the considerable export traffic already passing by way of the Humber Port.

Associated Humber Lines have a unit load service planned for Hull-Rotterdam which will probably start early in 1965. This will carry containers, fiats and trailers on the lift-on and lift-off principle. The company's existing vessels are being employed at the outset on the same route and a consortium of six companies is to develop a high frequency roll-on, roll-off system which is expected to attract much through road traffic.

By the spring of 1966 the Ellerman Wilson Line, in conjunction with Swedish Lines, is expected to introduce a thrice-weekly service in each direction

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between Hull and Gothenburg. Two new vessels, each with basic accommodation for 400 passengers and 100 cars, have been ordered. At present a weekly service is maintained with conventional ships. The new operations are expected to start in the spring of 1966 and, in addition to container traffic, there is likely to be accommodation for some commercial vehicles to drive on.