In partnership with Unifeeder, P&O Maritime Logistics aims to increase connectivity across the Red Sea between the port of Jeddah (Saudi Arabia) and port Sudan, via the company’s newly modified Multi Carrying Vessels (MCVs) which are now capable of carrying containers.
As a “micro” feeder, the new MCV line has the ability to bypass congestion, according to P&O Maritime Logistics.
“The reason for this is the shallow draft of MCVs, that use less space and can access areas of the harbor where larger vessels cannot accommodate due to their size and length. This is useful when connecting feeder ports, such as Port Sudan, to hub ports, such as Port of Jeddah,” explains the company.
MCV usage can go ahead and bring additional volumes for major carriers and reduce waiting times, while the port turnaround time can be reduced by 70-80%.
Two of P&O Maritime Logistics’ newly modified MCVs, Topaz Lena and Topaz Volga, have been signed up for the new route and work has already started on both vessels.
The MCVs call at different terminals in both Jeddah and Port Sudan, highlighting the potential to export this solution to other port combinations worldwide.
“P&O Maritime Logistics provides additional capacity and alleviates the already-stretched global supply chains. This is particularly useful on lower-volume, higher-frequency trade routes, such as the Red Sea, where our MCVs can provide a more efficient service to our clients. Seeing such niche feeders operating successfully forms a blueprint for further expansion with new and existing clients,” said Martin Helweg, CEO of P&O Maritime Logistics.
“As we continue to work closely with our parent company, DP World, on expanding our containerised service, our partnership with Unifeeder, also a DP World company, is an example of our ongoing efforts to respond and adapt to wider industry changes,” Helweg continued.
P&O Maritime Logistics is modifying two additional vessels with the ability to modify up to ten on request. The company will also leverage the container modified MCVs with other partners around the world.
“Our new service with P&O Maritime Logistics marks our next expansion outside of Europe, and we are looking forward to growing our business in Africa and the Middle East. With continued growth in the containerised cargo business across the Red Sea, the new service will capitalise on the market opportunities,” said Hui Khoon, COO, Network of Unifeeder FZCO.
