Liverpool-based tanker operator Abbey Logistics Group has begun sending unaccompanied tank containers to mainland Europe via Zeebrugge for one of its food ingredient customers in order to avoid ongoing migrant problems in northern France.

The firm, which previously sent articulated tankers to mainland Europe via Eurotunnel, has invested in eight new bulk containers for the new route, which it hauls empty to the port of Killingholme, near its Hull depot, for the sea crossing to Belgium.

From Zeebrugge, the containers are picked up by a European partner and taken to sites in Belgium and northern France, before being brought back full to the UK along the same route.

Abbey Logistics commercial director Dave Coulson told Motortransport.co.uk use of the new containers, which are each carrying out two loads a week, have reduced road mileage by about 50%.

The main reason for the switch, however, has been the delays repeatedly caused in recent months by migrant problems in northern France, he said.

“It’s been costing us a fortune recently. Over the last six months, it’s been crippling,” he said. “It only takes one [migrant] to get into the tunnel and you’re sat there for four or five hours. That’s a big risk for our customers in going that route. And with the type of product we’ve got, if they get inside, it ruins the whole load.”

The new arrangement is likely to be extended to other customers soon, he suggested.

“This is a new and exciting venture for Abbey Logistics Group which will provide a secure, environmentally friendly, flexible and cost-effective solution for our bulk movements across European borders as well as protecting our customers form the ongoing threat of immigration intrusion,” Coulson said.

“We are confident this method of distribution will massively reduce the continuing and regular delays incurred in crossing the Channel via Calais.”

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