Vasco to Portugal
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• Savings of up to 2500 per return journey are being claimed for a new freight-only RO-RO service, to be launched on 15 September between Poole and Viana do Castelo in northern Portugal.
A new shipping company called Vasco Line has been set up to run the weekly service, using the MV Halkz, which can carry up to 71 trailers and has 12 cabins for drivers.
Chairman and managing director Michael Piper claims that hauliers can save up to 30% of the cost of travelling to Portugal by road by using the new route, as well as avoiding wear and tear on vehicles and drivers, and customs delays.
Piper expects to introduce a second vessel on the route by the end of the year.
Vasco's sales and marketing director Leon Stanford says the new service will leave Poole on Tuesday at noon, taking two days to reach Viana do Castel°. Return sailings will depart at noon on Saturdays.
Stanford says that the new service will help operators to avoid the week-end lorry bans currently operating in France, Spain and Portugal.
NFC subsidiary WI Agencies will act as Vasco Line's UK agent while its Portuguese agent is Rawes (Peritagens), part of the James Hawes of Lisbon group of companies.
Portugal joined the EEC two years ago, since when trade between the two countries has increased by an average of 10% a year — an 8% increase in trade is expected this year. Britain currently enjoys a slight trade surplus with Portugal and Stanford predicts that the new ferry service will help to make British goods more competitive in Portugal.