Maritime group CLdN is moving its shipping operations from Luxembourg to the United Kingdom, as part of a plans to expand its shipping links.
The company said its shift to the UK is a “natural evolution” for CLdN, pointing to its 60-year track record of operating freight connections to the UK, its ownership and operation of port terminals in London, Killingholme (pictured) and Liverpool and the fact that three quarters of CLdN’s sailings currently start or end in a UK port.
CLdN said it will also benefit from the talent pool and maritime expertise that the UK offers as a leading seafaring nation.
To mark the move, CLdN welcomed UK aviation, maritime and decarbonisation minister Keir Mather to its London terminal in Purfleet last week.
A CLdN team, including chief executive Florent Maes, provided a tour of the 130-hectare facility which is a major 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.
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, 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.”
