The twice-weekly CldN ro-ro service linking Santander in Spain, Rotterdam in the Netherlands and Leixões in Portugal is to be divided into two distinct services. It is hoped the move will help increase the number of semi-trailers being carried by around 10,000 units a year.
In future, Santander will have two weekly direct connections with Zeebrugge, in Belgium, while Leixões will have three weekly connections with Rotterdam.
Deployed on the Santander route will be the Severine, which can carry a combined 144 units, split between containers and semi-trailers. On its first trip, it was consigned by Vapores Suardíaz and loaded by Cadevesa.
Santander port authority says the change in route pattern will reduce transit times to and from northern Europe as well as boosting total capacity, since the vessel no longer has to share traffic with Leixões.
Via Zeebrugge, consignments from Santander will have good connections with the UK and Scandinavia.
