Peel Ports Group is committing US$38 million to the development of a new Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) berth at the Port of Sheerness to meet increasing demand from both new and existing customers.
This project will introduce an in-river vessel berth and a floating pontoon, enhancing the port’s capacity to handle RoRo cargo and accommodate larger vessels over 230 meters in length.
The upgraded facilities will serve RoRo vessels carrying diverse commodities such as automobiles, paper reels, timber, construction machinery, building materials, project cargo, agribulks, and steel. On-site construction is scheduled to start in March 2025, following the current design and manufacturing phase.
The initial phase will involve the removal of existing infrastructure, installation of piling, and ultimately, the placement of the new pontoon. The berth is expected to become operational by the summer of 2025.
This modernized pontoon will support larger vessels as well as Quarter Ramp vessels on both sides and Stern Ramp vessels on an adjacent berth. By enhancing its infrastructure, Peel Ports aims to reinforce Sheerness’s role as a pivotal hub in UK supply chains, particularly for the automotive sector, which processes 300,000 vehicles annually at the site.
The investment aligns with Peel Ports’ vision to provide a comprehensive automotive service, including plans for a proposed rail siding connecting the main port estate via the Wildfire Bridge. Beyond the automotive sector, the new infrastructure will also benefit the construction and paper industries, while freeing up adjacent berths to handle increased cargo volumes across various sectors.
Peel Ports’ investment in the new berth follows the recent launch of a new freight service by Finnlines in September, connecting Finland to the Port of Sheerness with additional links to Belgium, Spain, and Ireland.
The service will be operated using three Finneco-class hybrid RoRo vessels, each offering a cargo capacity of 5,800 lane metres—equivalent to approximately 400 trailers. This development enhances the route network, delivering shorter transit times, greater cargo capacity, and more efficient loading and unloading processes for customers.
The Port of Sheerness serves as a critical hub supporting various industries, providing vital connections between the UK, mainland Europe, and global markets. Its extensive capabilities enable the efficient handling of a wide range of cargo types, including automotive, construction machinery, steel, timber, paper, and project cargo.
