P&O expands North Sea freight capacity with new ship charters 

The company says that the ro-ro cargo ship, chartered long term, will enable it to carry more freight on its North Sea network, with the Longstone’s sister vessel also set to join its fleet in late 2025.

The Longstone, expected to begin service in early September, has a capacity over 50% greater than P&O Ferries’ existing vessels on the Tilbury-Zeebrugge route. With 4076 lane metres and the ability to carry 346 freight units, the new ship is the first step in P&O’s expansion plan for its North Sea Services.

Moreover, to complement this maritime expansion, P&O Ferries says it has expanded its rail handling service in Zeebrugge with new intermodal services to/from Germany and Central Europe.

Commenting on the announcement, Peter Hebblethwaite, CEO of P&O Ferries, said:

“We are expanding our North Sea network in response to the demand from our customers. This long-term investment is just the first step of our expansion plan for this network. It is about having the right tonnage, underpinned by effective rail handling, to allow our customers to plan new opportunities. Boosting capacity on our routes between Tilbury and the continent of Europe is what our customers need, and will give them even greater direct access to London and its transport connections.”

Meanwhile, P&O Ferries has also announced it is running its ‘Turn-up and Go’ space charter with Irish Ferries on the Dover-Calais route.

According to P&O, the arrangement means ships will always be fully loaded for freight at peak, allowing freight to clear the port up to 25%faster.

“This is a material improvement for freight customers as they will be offered the next available departure when they arrive at the port on a first come first served basis, regardless of which company operates it,” says P&O, who previously had a similar partnership with DFDS.

During the trial period, which began on 8th July, more than 12,000 freight vehicles were transferred between the two operators.

Commenting on the agreement, P&O Ferries Chief Executive Peter Hebblethwaite said:

“Our ‘Turn-up and Go’ service with Irish Ferries promises our freight customers speedier, more efficient passages from Dover to Calais. This is a material step forward on previous space charters, ensuring that capacity is fully utilised, reducing port congestion and minimising the carbon impact of the cross-Channel route. With this agreement and P&O Ferries’ modern fleet, which includes two best in class hybrid vessels, we are setting a new benchmark for the industry – ensuring faster and greener journeys and making the Dover-Calais route more competitive.”