Fast, Reliable, and now even Safer

STILL, the Hamburg-based logistics supplier, have expanded their product portfolio and now offers their EXH series of low lift pallet trucks and EXD series of double stacker trucks with a fixed stand-on platform.

“This fixed platform on the new EXH-S and EXD-S models provides a comfortable, convenient workplace with very good all-round protection. Especially when space is limited on loading ramps or in a lorry, it is a major advantage that the driver’s cab has a solid frame, while the compact vehicle dimensions still leave enough space to manoeuvre pallets. This means all the parts of the body stay inside the truck’s contour, thus ensuring a high level of work safety at all times,” explains Maik Eckerkunst, warehouse technology product manager. “With the EXH-SF, EXH-S, EXD-SF and EXD-S we now have a strong quartet on the market in the product range of low lift pallet trucks and double stacker trucks, which inspire confidence through high safety, large load capacities, powerful ramp movement, and now an even higher level of goods handling performance.”

There are three variants of the fixed stand-on platform on the two new STILL models: with a rear entry driver’s workplace for frequent loading ramp movements, with a side entry for longer transport distances, or with a backrest when the order-picking of goods is the main focus. A feature shared by all variants is the air-damped stand-on platform to protect the operator’s back even in harsh working conditions. This system reduces body vibrations by up to 40%. Drivers can set the suspension to suit their own individual needs or body weight. An integrated air compressor is optionally available to allow this adjustment simply by pushing a button. This relieves physical stress, particularly when operators change often, and especially during long shifts or if there are frequent movements on the loading ramp. It also means maximum comfort for the driver when entering the truck: the platform’s entry height is very low, making it easier for the operator to access the truck. This is of great advantage during tasks involving frequent entering and leaving the truck, e.g. during order-picking or when loading and unloading goods vehicles.

Another comfort feature: the height-adjustable STILL Easy Drive steering wheel can be controlled with just one hand – by both left and right-handed operators. The Easy Drive rocker switches guarantee not only sensitive, safe operation of the lift function, but also control of the driving, lifting and steering functions at the same time – and all without changing grip. An extra level of safety is provided by the optional foot sensor, which is available for the truck variant with a rear entry. This sensor detects whether the operator’s feet are within the truck’s contour. To ensure safety, the truck automatically reduces its speed when there is a contact with the photoelectric sensor.

Both of these endurance runners can be used “round the clock” when necessary. Due to the optional maintenance-free Li-Ion technology, intermediate charging of both the EXH-S 20/25 and the EXD-S 20 via small, decentralised charging stations is easy, even during short work breaks. The truck can also be fitted with a built-in charger if required. In this case, the charging process can take place via a normal electric power socket. Both trucks can also be equipped for lateral battery change as an additional option. To do this, the battery is mounted on rollers and removed sideways. When the locking lever is released the battery is given an initial push, thus making removal from the battery compartment significantly easier, and protecting the operator’s back.

The two newcomers are the slimmest trucks on the market, with a total width of only 720 mm – and thus 80 mm narrower than a Europallet lengthwise. This makes them especially manoeuvrable in confined shelf aisles, and they are ideally suited for use on a loading ramp. At the same time, both machines are currently almost unbeatable with regard to their goods handling performance. Powerful driving and lifting motors give the EXH-S 20/25 a load-carrying capacity of up to 2,500 kg, and an (optional) top speed of incredible 14 km/h. This enables the “sprinter” among low lift pallet trucks to tackle all tasks reliably and quickly. The 5-wheel drive system guarantees optimum traction and high lateral stability, even on irregular floors. The EXD-S 20 double stacker truck is a real 3-in-1 all-rounder: up to 2,000 kg as a low lift pallet truck, two pallets each weighing 1,000 kg in double stacker operation, or a load-carrying capacity of up to 1,200 kg when used as a high lift pallet truck. And all of this with a maximum speed of 10 km/h. The STILL Dynamic Drive Control function automatically adjusts this maximum speed depending on load weight and lift height. This enables the truck to achieve the highest goods handling performance with maximum safety. Lift heights up to 2,424 mm are easily reached. Damped support rollers ensure it never deviates from its path, even on irregular floors.

Thanks to the Blue-Q energy-saving program fitted as standard, and their low energy consumption, the new transport trucks also race to the top in the energy efficiency stakes, thus ensuring maximum availability when in use. Product manager Eckerkunst is confident that, “these equipment features -the powerful performance, convenient operation, compact construction and dependable flexibility of our new machines will be of great benefit to users for a long time.”

Fast, Reliable, and now even Safer

STILL, the Hamburg-based logistics supplier, have expanded their product portfolio and now offers their EXH series of low lift pallet trucks and EXD series of double stacker trucks with a fixed stand-on platform.

“This fixed platform on the new EXH-S and EXD-S models provides a comfortable, convenient workplace with very good all-round protection. Especially when space is limited on loading ramps or in a lorry, it is a major advantage that the driver’s cab has a solid frame, while the compact vehicle dimensions still leave enough space to manoeuvre pallets. This means all the parts of the body stay inside the truck’s contour, thus ensuring a high level of work safety at all times,” explains Maik Eckerkunst, warehouse technology product manager. “With the EXH-SF, EXH-S, EXD-SF and EXD-S we now have a strong quartet on the market in the product range of low lift pallet trucks and double stacker trucks, which inspire confidence through high safety, large load capacities, powerful ramp movement, and now an even higher level of goods handling performance.”

There are three variants of the fixed stand-on platform on the two new STILL models: with a rear entry driver’s workplace for frequent loading ramp movements, with a side entry for longer transport distances, or with a backrest when the order-picking of goods is the main focus. A feature shared by all variants is the air-damped stand-on platform to protect the operator’s back even in harsh working conditions. This system reduces body vibrations by up to 40%. Drivers can set the suspension to suit their own individual needs or body weight. An integrated air compressor is optionally available to allow this adjustment simply by pushing a button. This relieves physical stress, particularly when operators change often, and especially during long shifts or if there are frequent movements on the loading ramp. It also means maximum comfort for the driver when entering the truck: the platform’s entry height is very low, making it easier for the operator to access the truck. This is of great advantage during tasks involving frequent entering and leaving the truck, e.g. during order-picking or when loading and unloading goods vehicles.

Another comfort feature: the height-adjustable STILL Easy Drive steering wheel can be controlled with just one hand – by both left and right-handed operators. The Easy Drive rocker switches guarantee not only sensitive, safe operation of the lift function, but also control of the driving, lifting and steering functions at the same time – and all without changing grip. An extra level of safety is provided by the optional foot sensor, which is available for the truck variant with a rear entry. This sensor detects whether the operator’s feet are within the truck’s contour. To ensure safety, the truck automatically reduces its speed when there is a contact with the photoelectric sensor.

Both of these endurance runners can be used “round the clock” when necessary. Due to the optional maintenance-free Li-Ion technology, intermediate charging of both the EXH-S 20/25 and the EXD-S 20 via small, decentralised charging stations is easy, even during short work breaks. The truck can also be fitted with a built-in charger if required. In this case, the charging process can take place via a normal electric power socket. Both trucks can also be equipped for lateral battery change as an additional option. To do this, the battery is mounted on rollers and removed sideways. When the locking lever is released the battery is given an initial push, thus making removal from the battery compartment significantly easier, and protecting the operator’s back.

The two newcomers are the slimmest trucks on the market, with a total width of only 720 mm – and thus 80 mm narrower than a Europallet lengthwise. This makes them especially manoeuvrable in confined shelf aisles, and they are ideally suited for use on a loading ramp. At the same time, both machines are currently almost unbeatable with regard to their goods handling performance. Powerful driving and lifting motors give the EXH-S 20/25 a load-carrying capacity of up to 2,500 kg, and an (optional) top speed of incredible 14 km/h. This enables the “sprinter” among low lift pallet trucks to tackle all tasks reliably and quickly. The 5-wheel drive system guarantees optimum traction and high lateral stability, even on irregular floors. The EXD-S 20 double stacker truck is a real 3-in-1 all-rounder: up to 2,000 kg as a low lift pallet truck, two pallets each weighing 1,000 kg in double stacker operation, or a load-carrying capacity of up to 1,200 kg when used as a high lift pallet truck. And all of this with a maximum speed of 10 km/h. The STILL Dynamic Drive Control function automatically adjusts this maximum speed depending on load weight and lift height. This enables the truck to achieve the highest goods handling performance with maximum safety. Lift heights up to 2,424 mm are easily reached. Damped support rollers ensure it never deviates from its path, even on irregular floors.

Thanks to the Blue-Q energy-saving program fitted as standard, and their low energy consumption, the new transport trucks also race to the top in the energy efficiency stakes, thus ensuring maximum availability when in use. Product manager Eckerkunst is confident that, “these equipment features -the powerful performance, convenient operation, compact construction and dependable flexibility of our new machines will be of great benefit to users for a long time.”

Customer Cloud Migration Continues to Gain Momentum

Infor has announced significant global success for its CloudSuite solutions, which can help customers recognize time-to-value faster and can help them become more agile, resilient and competitive. Industry-specific applications developed for sectors such as manufacturing, healthcare, distribution, retail and hospitality have contributed to Infor now having more than 14,000 customers in the Infor Cloud. Recent customers include Burton Snowboards, Frederick County (Maryland), Midwest Wheel Companies, Cloetta, Saarioinen, and Auckland Transport.

Infor is focused on delivering end-to-end functionality in the cloud, with an increase of more than 200 percent in on-premise customers upgrading to the cloud and 112 percent growth in ACV (Annual Contract Value) bookings from May through June. The company aims to deliver unmatched multi-tenant cloud capabilities, as well as best-in-class data management and analytics capabilities through the Infor Data Lake and Infor Birst. In addition, an experienced professional services team and a deep channel and partner network, can help bring customers online quickly, with no material disruptions to their businesses.

Over the last 12 months, Infor has made significant industry-specific product updates that are designed to help customers better manage three important assets in their businesses: people, physical assets, and supply chains. These include new capabilities in Human Capital Management, Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) and supply chain management.

Midwest Wheel Companies, one of the largest truck parts distributors in the Midwestern U.S., is using Infor CloudSuite Distribution and Infor Birst analytics to help manage inventory across its six warehouses, enable complex workflows and alerts, and do more online business. With Infor’s multi-tenant cloud solutions, including Infor OS (Operating Service), the company has improved customer service, realizing as much as a 15 percent improvement in vendor fill rates. “If you’re not innovating new ways of increasing service levels, you’re going to get beat out. And that’s how we approach everything,” said Steve McEnany, Vice President of Marketing and Technology at Midwest Wheel. “The fact that we’re not running around putting out fires anymore has made a huge impact on our productivity.”

New Zealand’s regional transportation authority, Auckland Transport, has centralized asset management in the cloud using Infor EAM. “As a business, we are not into building heavy software nor paying high maintenance and upgrade costs, so we looked for SaaS solutions that are ready to deploy and easy to maintain, and we found a strategic partner in Infor,” said Roger Jones, Auckland Transport Executive General Manager, Business Technology. “This multi-year SaaS project can help optimize Auckland Transport’s multi-billion-dollar assets across the organization to attain better decision-making, drive operational efficiencies and boost customer satisfaction. The first phase involving the predictive maintenance of bridges, as part of our bridge system transformation project, has gone live – on time and on budget, which is no mean feat during a pandemic. The remote and agile implementations could only be achieved due to the commitment and deep industry expertise of a team at Infor that we trust and work well with.”

Customer Cloud Migration Continues to Gain Momentum

Infor has announced significant global success for its CloudSuite solutions, which can help customers recognize time-to-value faster and can help them become more agile, resilient and competitive. Industry-specific applications developed for sectors such as manufacturing, healthcare, distribution, retail and hospitality have contributed to Infor now having more than 14,000 customers in the Infor Cloud. Recent customers include Burton Snowboards, Frederick County (Maryland), Midwest Wheel Companies, Cloetta, Saarioinen, and Auckland Transport.

Infor is focused on delivering end-to-end functionality in the cloud, with an increase of more than 200 percent in on-premise customers upgrading to the cloud and 112 percent growth in ACV (Annual Contract Value) bookings from May through June. The company aims to deliver unmatched multi-tenant cloud capabilities, as well as best-in-class data management and analytics capabilities through the Infor Data Lake and Infor Birst. In addition, an experienced professional services team and a deep channel and partner network, can help bring customers online quickly, with no material disruptions to their businesses.

Over the last 12 months, Infor has made significant industry-specific product updates that are designed to help customers better manage three important assets in their businesses: people, physical assets, and supply chains. These include new capabilities in Human Capital Management, Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) and supply chain management.

Midwest Wheel Companies, one of the largest truck parts distributors in the Midwestern U.S., is using Infor CloudSuite Distribution and Infor Birst analytics to help manage inventory across its six warehouses, enable complex workflows and alerts, and do more online business. With Infor’s multi-tenant cloud solutions, including Infor OS (Operating Service), the company has improved customer service, realizing as much as a 15 percent improvement in vendor fill rates. “If you’re not innovating new ways of increasing service levels, you’re going to get beat out. And that’s how we approach everything,” said Steve McEnany, Vice President of Marketing and Technology at Midwest Wheel. “The fact that we’re not running around putting out fires anymore has made a huge impact on our productivity.”

New Zealand’s regional transportation authority, Auckland Transport, has centralized asset management in the cloud using Infor EAM. “As a business, we are not into building heavy software nor paying high maintenance and upgrade costs, so we looked for SaaS solutions that are ready to deploy and easy to maintain, and we found a strategic partner in Infor,” said Roger Jones, Auckland Transport Executive General Manager, Business Technology. “This multi-year SaaS project can help optimize Auckland Transport’s multi-billion-dollar assets across the organization to attain better decision-making, drive operational efficiencies and boost customer satisfaction. The first phase involving the predictive maintenance of bridges, as part of our bridge system transformation project, has gone live – on time and on budget, which is no mean feat during a pandemic. The remote and agile implementations could only be achieved due to the commitment and deep industry expertise of a team at Infor that we trust and work well with.”

Innovative, Robust and Sustainable Lithium-Ion-Battery Packaging

Amidst the rise of e-mobility in the automotive industry, Orbis Europe has developed a plastic foldable large container for the transportation and storage of lithium-ion batteries that can be used across the upstream supply chain. The reusable IonPak® enables OEMs and suppliers to transport dangerous goods in a safe, damage-free and cost-efficient way.

Complying with the motto ‘Transforming the World with Power’, Orbis Europe will be presenting the IonPak® FLC at this year’s Battery Show Europe in Stuttgart, Stand 1-1145, Hall 1. This is one of a few face-to-face events that are taking place in Germany. The lithium-ion battery market has seen above-average growth in the last years and it is forecasted to grow further. This poses new challenges for car manufacturers, especially in the area of logistics. Orbis follows this trend and launched the IonPak in 2018 as a replacement for conventional one-way/cardboard/steel packaging. Today, the robust FLC has been successfully integrated into numerous automotive supply chains.

The IonPak was launched as an efficient and safe solution for lithium-ion battery transport. With customized dunnage solutions and standard footprints (e.g. 1200×1000 / 1200×800), the collapsible heavy-duty container is UN certified and 100% recyclable. By using recycled and recyclable materials during production, CO2-emissions can be reduced by 60-75 kg per container*, helping OEMs reach their emissions goals. Orbis is certified to counsel customers on safely packaging dangerous goods and supports customers from developing to certifying the packaging solution.

Innovative, Robust and Sustainable Lithium-Ion-Battery Packaging

Amidst the rise of e-mobility in the automotive industry, Orbis Europe has developed a plastic foldable large container for the transportation and storage of lithium-ion batteries that can be used across the upstream supply chain. The reusable IonPak® enables OEMs and suppliers to transport dangerous goods in a safe, damage-free and cost-efficient way.

Complying with the motto ‘Transforming the World with Power’, Orbis Europe will be presenting the IonPak® FLC at this year’s Battery Show Europe in Stuttgart, Stand 1-1145, Hall 1. This is one of a few face-to-face events that are taking place in Germany. The lithium-ion battery market has seen above-average growth in the last years and it is forecasted to grow further. This poses new challenges for car manufacturers, especially in the area of logistics. Orbis follows this trend and launched the IonPak in 2018 as a replacement for conventional one-way/cardboard/steel packaging. Today, the robust FLC has been successfully integrated into numerous automotive supply chains.

The IonPak was launched as an efficient and safe solution for lithium-ion battery transport. With customized dunnage solutions and standard footprints (e.g. 1200×1000 / 1200×800), the collapsible heavy-duty container is UN certified and 100% recyclable. By using recycled and recyclable materials during production, CO2-emissions can be reduced by 60-75 kg per container*, helping OEMs reach their emissions goals. Orbis is certified to counsel customers on safely packaging dangerous goods and supports customers from developing to certifying the packaging solution.

Largest Autonomous ride-on Cleaning Machine

Nilfisk, a leading global provider of professional cleaning solutions and services, announces the launch of two high-performance additions to its portfolio of autonomous solutions. The Nilfisk Liberty SC60, a robotic floor scrubber powered by Brain Corp’s BrainOS® AI software platform; and a UV-C light-based solution for Nilfisk’s existing robotic floor scrubber, the Nilfisk Liberty SC50, to target viruses and other pathogens.

These innovations, introduced at a virtual launch event, mark a significant step towards Nilfisk’s ambition of building a full portfolio of autonomous cleaning solutions. Hans Henrik Lund, Nilfisk CEO says: “Years of development have introduced state-of-the-art robotic technology within professional cleaning, and as a leader in intelligent cleaning, Nilfisk is committed to operating at the forefront of this evolution. We are, therefore, very excited to add two new innovative solutions to our portfolio. Together with our strong technology partners, we constantly strive to deliver the market’s best autonomous solutions, tailored to our customers’ unique cleaning requirements, and environments, in order to elevate their standard of clean. Today, we reinforce that commitment!”

The Nilfisk Liberty SC60 is Nilfisk’s first autonomous solution built on Brain Corp’s powerful BrainOS – the world’s most widely-used platform for the development and management of autonomous mobile robots. The high-performance machine is equipped with the largest scrub deck in the autonomy ride-on category and boasts best-in-class usability and significant operating capacity, making it ideal for maximizing cleaning efficiency in large indoor spaces like hypermarkets, warehousing, logistics, light-industry environments, and similar. To this end, the SC60 complements the abilities of the other robotic floor scrubber in Nilfisk’s portfolio, the Nilfisk Liberty SC50, which is developed with a smaller form factor for cleaning in environments that need more precision, agility, and the ability to navigate tighter layouts.

By introducing a new robotic-floorcare machine to its portfolio, Nilfisk responds to a recent increase in demand for autonomous solutions. “During the past months, cleaning has become even more essential for businesses and institutions, as they face new cleaning demands and requirements brought on by the pandemic. Many have turned to autonomy to meet these new demands, and we are extremely honored to be their partner. Together with our technology partners, we work each day to drive innovation in the market and deliver solutions to boost our customers’ cleaning performance – and the SC60, the newest member of our autonomous portfolio, is a testament to that,” says Lund.

By working with multiple partners, Nilfisk is able to bring innovation to customers rapidly. The new UVGI solution, also launched today, demonstrates just that. The solution was designed by Carnegie Robotics, a Nilfisk autonomous partner, during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, to effectively target viruses and other pathogens. The solution was refined and tested, also by customers, and is now ready for commercial launch.

The solution uses powerful UV-C light to inactivate viruses and other pathogens and can be attached to the Nilfisk Liberty SC50. The robotic floor scrubber removes dirt and debris while the UV technology disinfects the surface simultaneously. The machine aims to deliver reliable, effective cleaning and disinfection of indoor spaces where hygiene is of the utmost importance, such as hospitals, airports, supermarkets, and schools.

Largest Autonomous ride-on Cleaning Machine

Nilfisk, a leading global provider of professional cleaning solutions and services, announces the launch of two high-performance additions to its portfolio of autonomous solutions. The Nilfisk Liberty SC60, a robotic floor scrubber powered by Brain Corp’s BrainOS® AI software platform; and a UV-C light-based solution for Nilfisk’s existing robotic floor scrubber, the Nilfisk Liberty SC50, to target viruses and other pathogens.

These innovations, introduced at a virtual launch event, mark a significant step towards Nilfisk’s ambition of building a full portfolio of autonomous cleaning solutions. Hans Henrik Lund, Nilfisk CEO says: “Years of development have introduced state-of-the-art robotic technology within professional cleaning, and as a leader in intelligent cleaning, Nilfisk is committed to operating at the forefront of this evolution. We are, therefore, very excited to add two new innovative solutions to our portfolio. Together with our strong technology partners, we constantly strive to deliver the market’s best autonomous solutions, tailored to our customers’ unique cleaning requirements, and environments, in order to elevate their standard of clean. Today, we reinforce that commitment!”

The Nilfisk Liberty SC60 is Nilfisk’s first autonomous solution built on Brain Corp’s powerful BrainOS – the world’s most widely-used platform for the development and management of autonomous mobile robots. The high-performance machine is equipped with the largest scrub deck in the autonomy ride-on category and boasts best-in-class usability and significant operating capacity, making it ideal for maximizing cleaning efficiency in large indoor spaces like hypermarkets, warehousing, logistics, light-industry environments, and similar. To this end, the SC60 complements the abilities of the other robotic floor scrubber in Nilfisk’s portfolio, the Nilfisk Liberty SC50, which is developed with a smaller form factor for cleaning in environments that need more precision, agility, and the ability to navigate tighter layouts.

By introducing a new robotic-floorcare machine to its portfolio, Nilfisk responds to a recent increase in demand for autonomous solutions. “During the past months, cleaning has become even more essential for businesses and institutions, as they face new cleaning demands and requirements brought on by the pandemic. Many have turned to autonomy to meet these new demands, and we are extremely honored to be their partner. Together with our technology partners, we work each day to drive innovation in the market and deliver solutions to boost our customers’ cleaning performance – and the SC60, the newest member of our autonomous portfolio, is a testament to that,” says Lund.

By working with multiple partners, Nilfisk is able to bring innovation to customers rapidly. The new UVGI solution, also launched today, demonstrates just that. The solution was designed by Carnegie Robotics, a Nilfisk autonomous partner, during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, to effectively target viruses and other pathogens. The solution was refined and tested, also by customers, and is now ready for commercial launch.

The solution uses powerful UV-C light to inactivate viruses and other pathogens and can be attached to the Nilfisk Liberty SC50. The robotic floor scrubber removes dirt and debris while the UV technology disinfects the surface simultaneously. The machine aims to deliver reliable, effective cleaning and disinfection of indoor spaces where hygiene is of the utmost importance, such as hospitals, airports, supermarkets, and schools.

Direct Container Service from Norway to the UK

NCL has confirmed that it will commence a new, direct weekly container service from Norway to the UK on 23 September when MV ‘Rumba’ will make its first call at London Container Terminal, Tilbury.

The service, both southbound and northbound, will link around 15 ports on the west coast of Norway directly with the UK, from Egersund in the south to Tromsø in the north. With a fixed weekly schedule and fast transit times, NCL will offer a wide range of line equipment from its fleet of 1800 containers which includes 20ft, 40ft and 45ft dry and reefer containers. The concept behind the new service is built firmly around the desire to offer a more cost effective and environmentally friendly alternative for the transport of fish from the west coast of Norway. First and foremost, the original ambition of NCL was to move fresh salmon off the roads and provide a route from the west coast of Norway directly to the heart of the UK market.

After working on this project for some time, it is clear that there is also a healthy demand for a variety of other products between Norway and the UK. Bente Hetland, Managing Director of NCL, commented, “our investment opens many doors for NCL and provides the market with a much-needed containerised solution whilst allowing us to link and further develop our other existing services from Rotterdam, Hamburg and Bremerhaven into Norway.”

It is expected that the service will be able to achieve cost savings in the region of 25%-30% compared to truck between the west coast of Norway and the UK. John Good Logistics, whose co-operation with NCL extends more than 15 years, will provide a full liner agency service in the UK including sales & marketing, vessel agency and operations and UK haulage. “We are delighted to have the opportunity to further develop the NCL brand in the UK and strongly believe in this new concept which will appeal to many customers on a range of different levels. Although we will have a clear focus on reefer cargo, it has already become very apparent that there is a pent up demand for dry cargoes suited to shipping in containers,” added Alan Platt, Chairman of John Good Logistics.

The choice of London Container Terminal was determined by its excellent geographical location, its reefer and short sea expertise along with its recognition as Britain’s Greenest Port. Commenting on the new service, Ross McKissock, Asset Manager from London Container Terminal said: “This is great news for London Container Terminal as we start NCL’s new and direct connection to Norway this month. Our excellent, Brexit-ready, facilities at LCT provides a fast, low carbon and cost-effective alternative to trucking, showcasing the major benefits of short sea routes. We are pleased to be working with NCL and John Good to help bring this concept to market and we look forward to supporting users of the service to optimise their supply chains into the UK’s largest Reefer cargo and food market in the South East.”

Direct Container Service from Norway to the UK

NCL has confirmed that it will commence a new, direct weekly container service from Norway to the UK on 23 September when MV ‘Rumba’ will make its first call at London Container Terminal, Tilbury.

The service, both southbound and northbound, will link around 15 ports on the west coast of Norway directly with the UK, from Egersund in the south to Tromsø in the north. With a fixed weekly schedule and fast transit times, NCL will offer a wide range of line equipment from its fleet of 1800 containers which includes 20ft, 40ft and 45ft dry and reefer containers. The concept behind the new service is built firmly around the desire to offer a more cost effective and environmentally friendly alternative for the transport of fish from the west coast of Norway. First and foremost, the original ambition of NCL was to move fresh salmon off the roads and provide a route from the west coast of Norway directly to the heart of the UK market.

After working on this project for some time, it is clear that there is also a healthy demand for a variety of other products between Norway and the UK. Bente Hetland, Managing Director of NCL, commented, “our investment opens many doors for NCL and provides the market with a much-needed containerised solution whilst allowing us to link and further develop our other existing services from Rotterdam, Hamburg and Bremerhaven into Norway.”

It is expected that the service will be able to achieve cost savings in the region of 25%-30% compared to truck between the west coast of Norway and the UK. John Good Logistics, whose co-operation with NCL extends more than 15 years, will provide a full liner agency service in the UK including sales & marketing, vessel agency and operations and UK haulage. “We are delighted to have the opportunity to further develop the NCL brand in the UK and strongly believe in this new concept which will appeal to many customers on a range of different levels. Although we will have a clear focus on reefer cargo, it has already become very apparent that there is a pent up demand for dry cargoes suited to shipping in containers,” added Alan Platt, Chairman of John Good Logistics.

The choice of London Container Terminal was determined by its excellent geographical location, its reefer and short sea expertise along with its recognition as Britain’s Greenest Port. Commenting on the new service, Ross McKissock, Asset Manager from London Container Terminal said: “This is great news for London Container Terminal as we start NCL’s new and direct connection to Norway this month. Our excellent, Brexit-ready, facilities at LCT provides a fast, low carbon and cost-effective alternative to trucking, showcasing the major benefits of short sea routes. We are pleased to be working with NCL and John Good to help bring this concept to market and we look forward to supporting users of the service to optimise their supply chains into the UK’s largest Reefer cargo and food market in the South East.”

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