Wincanton has become the first haulier to move containers off the quay at London Gateway, despite the port not officially being open for business.
The 10,000 TEU ship ZIM Rotterdam docked at Britain’s newest container port last week, even though it is not scheduled to be fully operational until November. The ship had deviated last-minute from a scheduled call at Felixstowe.
Wincanton said that as a result it was forced to devise new routes and delivery schedules as a result of the change to the port location.
Ian Wilson, MD for containers at the firm, said: "Despite the port not being ‘officially open for business', their team has pulled out all the stops, working flat-out since Friday to enable this unscheduled call.
"We have worked closely with the port to prevent a potentially problematic situation and are delighted to have delivered a successful solution for our customers.”
