CLdN completes move of shipping operations to the UK and welcomes Maritime Minister to London terminal

CLdN has finalised the move of its shipping operations from Luxembourg to the United Kingdom. This UK move is a natural evolution for CLdN; the company has been operating freight connections to the UK for more than 60 years and owns and operates port terminals in London, Killingholme and Liverpool.  Furthermore, around three quarters of CLdN’s sailings currently start or end in a UK port. CLdN will benefit from the talent pool and maritime expertise that the UK offers as a leading seafaring nation.   

In connection with the move, CLdN welcomed UK Aviation, Maritime and Decarbonisation Minister Keir Mather to its London terminal in Purfleet on Thursday 21^st May.  

A CLdN team, including CEO Florent Maes, provided a tour of the 130-hectare facility which is an essential trade gateway between the UK and mainland Europe; CLdN operates 17 return sailings per week between Purfleet to its ports in Zeebrugge and Rotterdam. CLdN management also gave its perspective on the current trading environment and held a briefing aboard the CLdN vessel MV Pauline.   

Minister Mather said: “CLdN’s decision to base its shipping operations in the UK underlines the strength of our ports, our people and our economy, and is exactly the kind of investment that drives growth, supports trade and creates quality jobs. 

“I know the scale of CLdN’s ambition here in the UK, and with new headquarters in London, operations in Purfleet and more UK jobs on the way, it’s a clear sign of confidence in our economy.” 

Florent Maes, CEO of CLdN commented: “We were delighted to welcome the Minister to our Purfleet terminal and have had very constructive interactions with the UK authorities in preparing the move of our shipping operations.  CLdN has been providing direct freight links for customers between mainland Europe and the UK for more than 60 years, and we are further strengthening these links, particularly through the recently announced acquisition of Samskip’s UK and Ireland services.  We continue to demonstrate our commitment to the UK through our extensive port investment programme and deployment of enhanced shipping services on our routes across the North Sea and Irish Sea.” 

About CLdN and the UK 

CLdN operates a fleet of 30 cargo ships and owns and operates nine port terminals in the UK, Belgium and the Netherlands. The company transports some 1.5 million cargo units each year to and from the UK, including trailers, containers and new cars. CLdN’s fleet is also recognised for its carbon efficiency, reporting the lowest emissions per tonne of cargo carried compared to other short-sea freight operators in its sector.