Shortsea operator Samskip has added the Port of Blyth to its network. The Rotterdam headquartered operator has launched a new weekly container service connecting northeast England with its home port in the Netherlands and onward into Europe. The route was introduced to delegates during the Multimodal 2025 exhibition in Birmingham, where Samskip highlighted the strategic value of Blyth as a regional gateway.
The service begins next week, with the inaugural sailing into Blyth on Tuesday (24 June). Samskip is offering customers in the north of England and Scotland a more direct and sustainable multimodal option for European trade. The company says the route is designed to complement its wider European network with faster transhipment, better inland access, and a lower carbon footprint compared to traditional road haulage.
Strategic port, regional advantage
Located on the UK’s northeast coast, the Port of Blyth is positioning itself as a leading offshore energy support base and logistics centre. It handles containerised, dry bulk, break bulk and project cargoes, and is equipped with rail freight facilities and integrated logistics support via its in-house arm, Transped. Blyth is seen as a strategic hub for shippers serving northern markets.
The port’s growing importance was a key factor in Samskip’s decision to launch the new service. “Expanding to Blyth supports our mission to be closer to our customers and provide agile, multimodal solutions tailored to their evolving needs,” said Scott Montgomery, Manager Sales & Operations at Samskip. “This new service opens up opportunities for regional shippers seeking dependable and environmentally conscious logistics.”
Connecting Blyth and Rotterdam
The new route offers direct weekly sailings between Blyth and Rotterdam, with transhipment connections to Samskip’s extensive European network. According to Samskip, high-frequency departures and consistent transit schedules form part of the appeal, alongside road and rail links to inland destinations in both the UK and continental Europe.
“This launch marks more than just a new service,” said Montgomery. “It signals Samskip’s renewed focus and commitment to revitalising its UK trade. With the addition of Blyth, the company is not only expanding port options for greater efficiency and flexibility, but also taking decisive steps to strengthen service reliability, reach new customers, and support its UK client base with improved access to European markets.”
Port welcomes new partner
Alasdair Kerr, Commercial Director at Port of Blyth, welcomed the development. “We’re delighted to welcome Samskip to the Port of Blyth and to support the launch of this new strategic service which will provide great links into the Netherlands and broader European markets,” he said.
“Together with our logistics arm, Transped, we’re providing a full suite of value-added services including cross-docking, storage, and export packing, to ensure a seamless and efficient supply chain for our customers,” added Kerr.
Better connected UK and Europe
Samskip says the move is part of a broader commitment to strengthen European supply chains. The new Blyth route forms a cornerstone of that strategy. The operator says it offers flexibility and local expertise backed by their continental multimodal logistics network.
The new service comes at a time when direct connections between the UK’s northern ports and Europe are being explored. WorldCargo News recently reported proposals to revive a direct connection between Rosyth near Edinburgh and Dunkirk. The longer sailing times offset long road hauls for industry in Scotland and the North of England. If the administrative burden (between the UK and the EU) can be eased, there are also “landbridge” opportunities for industry in Ireland.
