London Container Terminal (LCT) in Tilbury, has secured a new fast transit reefer service covering Pacific, New Zealand, Peru & US East Coast. The Meridian service operated with eight 2,500 TEU capacity vessels, four of which have been specifically built for this reefer orientated service, makes its first call in the UK by the Seatrade Blue this week.

This new scheduled service will trim 9 days out of the existing New Zealand – UK connection alongside improving frequency of North bound sailings from fortnightly to every 10 days. The service which will offer both reefer and dry cargo capacity and will see large volumes of apples, kiwi fruit, frozen goods, wines and yachts from New Zealand and fruit, vegetables and frozen fish from Peru & the US East Coast.

Seatrade’s sister company, Streamlines have been calling at London Container Terminal since the inception of the Blue Stream service in 2016, another specialist reefer service connecting Central America to the UK & Europe.

The Meriden service rotation will be: Rotterdam, Dunkirk, Radicatel (Le Havre), Papeete, Noumea, Nelson, Napier, Tauranga, Callao, Paita, Philadelphia, Zeebrugge & Tilbury.

Welcoming the new service, New Zealand High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Sir Jerry Mateparae GNZM QSO KStj: "Trade is a significant pillar of the UK/NZ relationship - both historically and looking at opportunities in the future. This new service which reduces travel time will help to ensure trade flourishes."

 Commenting on the new service, Ross McKissock, Asset Manager, London Container Terminal said: “Today’s announcement is testament to the unique proposition that London Container Terminal offers customers with the closest point of access to the London market, industry leading turnaround times and access to Europe’s largest perishables hub on quay.

The UK has a strong connection with New Zealand and this rapid route for reefers will ensure that goods arrive quickly and efficiently for the UK market. The service enhances our coverage of the Pacific & US East Coast cementing our position as a leading player in the highly specialised reefer market and offering importers a cost effective Transatlantic & Trans Pacific route to the UK.”