Chinese trade link up and running

The first direct container service connecting China and Scotland has berthed at Greenock Ocean Terminal after its maiden voyage – as it gets set to transport more than one million bottles of whisky to the Far East.

The new east and west-bound freight route from Ningbo, China, arrived for the first time at Scotland’s deepest container terminal yesterday morning.

The service – a partnership between KC Liner Agencies, DKT Allseas and China Xpress – transported imports including textiles, furniture, and toys for the Scottish market. The vessel was then loaded with tens of thousands of cases of whisky.

Clydeport director Jim McSporran said: “It’s great to finally welcome this vital service to Greenock Ocean Terminal.

“Our terminal is the perfect fit for such a global trade connection, and this is again shown by the significant volumes we will be helping ship back to China.

“This partnership will prove to be a hugely positive development for businesses and customers.”

Stephen McCabe, leader of Inverclyde Council, said: “The freight side of Greenock Ocean Terminal can often be overshadowed and sometimes forgotten about because of the busy cruise ship schedule.

“But the container shipping side of the terminal has also grown substantially in recent years.”