Ro/ro to Spain is set for expansion
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ROLL-ON/roll-off haulage between Britain and Spain is poised for expansion — despite the current trade recession, reports JOHN DURANT.
Earlier this year Brittany Ferries started a year-round ro/ro freight service between Plymouth and Santander and now international freight haulier Infradex Ltd is developing a £0.5m container terminal and distribution, storage and handling depot at Plymouth's Millbay Docks.
An agreement to go ahead was signed between lnfradex and the British Transport Docks Board last week, and the terminal may be operational by March next year. The development will occupy two acres of land at the east side of the dock area.
In the longer term this development will acquire increased significance if Spain, as is expected, joins the European Economic Community around 1983, and is followed by Portugal.
Colin Champness, Infradex's transport director, said that as soon as Brittany Ferries announced the year-round Santander service his firm saw it as the key to offering customers faster transit times to the Iberian Peninsula.
"At the same time," he said, "it means we are able to make considerable savings in fuel costs, driving time and vehicle wear. I have calculated that we can save up to £300 per trip to Madrid by using the ferry service instead of the overland route through France.
"Having our own facilities at Millbay will enable us to offer an even more efficient service to our customers and at the same time attract more freight business through the port."