The RHA is calling for hauliers to get in touch if they have been hit with a doubling of surcharges for additional slots on CLdN ferries sailing between Britain and Northern Ireland, after being contacted by concerned members.
The association said this week that several of its members in Northern Ireland have reported that ferry operator CLdN (formerly Seatruck) has introduced surcharges to hauliers using their services.
Under the new system charges, operators that use more than their standard booking allocations have to pay a 100% surcharge on additional slots.
CLdN operates freight services from Liverpool and Heysham in lancashire to Dublin and Warrenpoint ports.
RHA points out that this surcharge comes in the wake of the recent closure of Holyhead port on 7 December, following damage caused by Storm Darragh last month.
Port operator Stena Line has confirmed the port, which is one of Britain’s busiest ports, is on course for a partial reopening on 16 January. However, this will see only one of the two main ferry berths reopen. No date has been given for the reopening of the second berth - which suffered the most damage.
In a statement issued today (7 January) RHA said: “Our members tell us that the allocated standard booking slots fall significantly short of average weekly shipping volumes to meet demand which effectively doubles the cost of essential shipping services.
“They further report that these surcharges are only being notified at the time of booking, providing no opportunity for strategic planning or alternative arrangements.
”We are investigating this issue and will engage with key stakeholders as we are concerned about the strain of this pricing on the supply chain between GB and Northern Ireland, given the dominant position CdNL operates under via its routes between Warrenpoint/Dublin and Heysham, and Dublin and Liverpool.
The RHA is calling for any hauliers that have recently experienced issues regarding pricing of carriage of goods between NI and GB to contact RHA policy director, Martin Reid at m.reid@rha.uk.net.
A request from MT for a comment from CLdN on the surcharge hike has yet to receive a response.
