Iceland-based multimodal logistics operator Samskip has agreed to sell its UK and Ireland door-to-door and quay-to-quay cargo business to Belgium-based short sea shipping and multimodal operator CLdN, according to reporting in Maritime Fairtrade.

The sale covers container shipping services currently operated by Samskip between Rotterdam and UK ports of Belfast, Blyth, Grangemouth, Hull and Tilbury, alongside Irish ports of Cork, Dublin and Waterford. The transaction includes transfer of all existing operations in respect of the UK-Ireland trade, including operating agreements.

Chief Executive Florent Maes stated that "this transaction is highly complementary to CLdN's existing shipping and multimodal activities," adding that "customers will benefit from an even broader array of shipping options and enhanced door-to-door equipment and services."

Samskip Chief Executive Ólafur Orri Ólafsson noted that "selling the UK and Ireland trades to a strong partner will secure the continuation of this trade and guarantee a high coverage for our customers in the respective markets."

The transaction enables Samskip to concentrate on long-distance multimodal network operations connecting mainland Europe, the Nordics, Baltics and North Africa. With sustainability central to Samskip's strategy, the company stated this will contribute to decarbonisation of customer supply chains.

CLdN operates 30 ships providing more than 200 sailings weekly, delivering roll-on roll-off connections between the European continent, the UK, Ireland, Iberia and Scandinavia. The company employs approximately 3,000 staff and positions itself as offering the lowest carbon dioxide footprint of all Western European roll-on roll-off operators.

Founded in 1929, CLdN provides integrated quay-to-quay and door-to-door logistics solutions linking major economic areas across Europe. The envisaged transaction is subject to satisfactory regulatory and competition clearances. Both parties have agreed not to disclose financial details related to the transaction.

Read the full report on Samskip's sale of UK and Ireland freight operations to CLdN.