News
Strike in Finnish ports announced
06-03-2024
The Transport Workers’ Union, AKT, has announced a political strike starting on Monday 11 March at 6:00 and ending on Monday 25 March at 6:00 which will also include the stevedoring activities. It will cover all port operations in Finnish ports, including unloading, loading, receipt and release of units.
Hansalink between Helsinki and Travemünde and Finnlink between Naantali and Kapellskär operate with accompanied units.
Because of the strike an additional surcharge of € 10 per commenced meter will be charged on the route Travemünde-Helsinki
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Ending of Staged Customs Controls (EoSCC)
25-01-2024
Please note as of 00:01 on the 31/01/2024 there are some changes to the customs requirements for units travelling ex Ireland to the UK, in this instance a valid GMR will now be required for all units.
Some information on the changes below;
• All ROI > GB units will require a valid GMR at check-in (currently only required if CTC Transit).
• Shippers/Hauliers will need to complete GB import processes to obtain a GMR from GVMS.
• For NI-qualifying goods routing NI > ROI > GB, a GMR is still required. No import declarations will be required to obtain such a GMR. Shippers/Hauliers should indicate on their GMR that they are moving NI-qualifying goods.
• On arrival to GB, drivers must access GVMS “Inspection Location Service” (ILS) on gov.uk to confirm if a check is required https://www.tax.service.gov.uk/driver-inspection-notification/search
• Shippers/Hauliers will need to complete GB import processes to obtain a GMR from GVMS.
• For NI-qualifying goods routing NI > ROI > GB, a GMR is still required. No import declarations will be required to obtain such a GMR. Shippers/Hauliers should indicate on their GMR that they are moving NI-qualifying goods.
• On arrival to GB, drivers must access GVMS “Inspection Location Service” (ILS) on gov.uk to confirm if a check is required https://www.tax.service.gov.uk/driver-inspection-notification/search
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Strike in Finland 1-2 February will affect handling units
24-01-2024
There will be work stoppages of SAK unions on 1-2 February 2024. The strike affects the whole stevedoring sector in Finland meaning that cargo units without drivers cannot be transported to or from Finland during this period. This includes routes Tallinn-Helsinki, Helsinki-Stockholm and Turku-Kapellskär.
Extensive strikes in several sectors are bringing Finland to a standstill 1-2 February. It is a question of political strikes, with which the unions oppose the changes planned by the government in working life.
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The government of Sweden has prolonged the temporary border controls
04-01-2024
The government of Sweden has once again prolonged the temporary border controls at the internal borders. Now valid until 1 July 2024. This means that ID-controls on all passengers boarding vessels that are bound for a Swedish port are obliged. In this regard, we ask you to ensure that all cargo drivers have a valid passport or ID card when travelling to Sweden. Please note that a drivers license is not considered as a valid form of identification.
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As of the 1st of January 2024, the EU`s ETS is live
02-01-2024
With the ETS now live, the EU ETS stands as a pivotal element in the European Union`s strategy to address climate change, serving as a crucial and cost-effective instrument for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Under the `Fit for 55` package by the European Commission, the EU ETS has expanded to encompass the shipping industry. You can find the ETS surcharge along with the BAF in our monthly overview.
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Change in sailing time Hirtshals – Kristiansand
04-12-2023
As part of Color Line`s sustainability efforts, it is desirable to investigate the impact of speed on fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.
In light of this, SuperSpeed 1 will sail at reduced speed from November 29th to December 31st, 2023.
The new arrival time in Kristiansand during this period will be 00:30.
The change in sailing time only applies to the departure at 20:45.
Other sailings will continue to take 3 hours and 15 minutes.
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DFDS - Dry dock period - Newcastle route 2024
01-12-2023
Dear valued customer,
We would like to point out that the sailing schedule will be different around the holidays and the start of the new year.
This has to do with to the annual vessel dry-docking program, unfortunately the IJmuiden-Newcastle v.v. service shall operate with one vessel between Tuesday the 2nd of January until Wednesday the 6th of March 2024.
Vessel “King Seaways” shall be in dry-dock between Tuesday the 2nd of January to Friday the 9th of February, where then soon after, the vessel “Princess Seaways” shall be in dry-dock between Saturday the 10th of February and Wednesday the 6th of March.
Regular daily sailing schedule will recommence on Thursday the 7th of March 2024.
It is regretful that we shall operate with reduced capacity during this period, however our colleague shall do their utmost to find alternative space on our Immingham, Felixstowe or Cuxhaven routes, dependent on loading/delivery destination.
Please note all local times and subject to changes.
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Veterinary consignments from UK to the EU via the Netherlands
27-11-2023
Since Brexit the legislation regarding the introduction of veterinary consignments shipments from third countries also applies to shipments from the UK. An important rule for bringing veterinary goods into the EU is that they must be notified in advance to the NVWA and be subject to official controls. The new guidelines are applicable from 1 December 2023.
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Lashing rings/lashing points/tow hooks
08-11-2023
We would like to inform you once again that the shipping company reserves the right to refuse trucks without the necessary equipment.
in the winter months and generally in bad weather conditions the vehicles are exposed to extreme movements on the ship and therefore a danger.
In summary, load securing in the trailer is a prerequisite and all vehicles must be equipped with lashing rings/lashing points/tow hooks.
in the winter months and generally in bad weather conditions the vehicles are exposed to extreme movements on the ship and therefore a danger.
In summary, load securing in the trailer is a prerequisite and all vehicles must be equipped with lashing rings/lashing points/tow hooks.
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FRS sells subsidiary FRS Iberia to DFDS
20-09-2023
Time to say goodbye to the red dolphin: FRS is separating from the subsidiary FRS Iberia.
In the future, the ferry lines between Spain and Morocco are going to be operated by DFDS.
Established in 2000, FRS Iberia is today the only ferry company that is operating all ports in the Strait of Gibraltar. It started with the connection between Tarifa and Tangier, followed by connections between Algeciras, Gibraltar and the Spanish enclave of Ceuta and Tanger Med.
Five high-speed catamarans, two classic car ferries and one RoRo ferry are currently in use.
The Iberia business has experienced extraordinary success over the course of two decades, despite strong competition. Within Moroccan growing economy and the mutual market between the two countries, the total of annual transports of the FRS Iberia has increased. In the year 2023 1.9 million Passengers and 370,000 cars are expected. The company is now one of the market leaders in ferry traffic between Spain and Morocco, with strong expertise in the operation of fast ferries and freight traffic. Within the 14 ferry lines of the FRS Group, FRS Iberia is the strongest pillar.
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Holland Norway Lines BV (HNL) bankrupt
07-09-2023
FerryGoods deeply regrets the bankruptcy of Holland Norway Lines. For questions and alternative routes, please contact the FerryGoods team. We are happy to make every effort to ensure that your ferry bookings run smoothly.
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24/7 telephone
18-08-2023
As you know, Ferry Goods is committed to helping you 24/7. Of course, we are fully at work for you during office hours. But you can also reach us outside those hours. From now on you can simply do this via our trusted telephone number: +31 (0)78 610 48 30. Then choose option 1 and you will be connected to the employee on duty.
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Lashing points (DFDS)
18-08-2023
With heavy seas forecast this weekend a reminder to customers that all units booked on our route, ex Rosslare and ex Dunkirk this weekend are required to have the necessary lashing points.
Cargo arriving without correct lashing points will not be accepted for loading.
Please see the detailed description of the required lashing points for each unit in this document.
Thank you for your understanding
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Stena Vision enter service on Rosslare-Cherbourg 30 June
28-06-2023
We are pleased to confirm that the Stena Vision will enter service on the Rosslare - Cherbourg route on Friday 30 June 2023, providing the most frequent and fastest direct service between Ireland and France with 12 sailings each week - linking Ireland to Europe.
The introduction of Stena Vision is very welcome news for the freight sector, which has seen demand grow for direct services between Ireland and Europe since Brexit.
Stena Vision will join Stena Horizon on the Rosslare - Cherbourg route increasing accompanied freight capacity with more cabin space for freight drivers and increased frequency with 6 sailings each way every week.
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DFDS: Launch of dedicated unaccompanied service, Tilbury<>Calais
20-06-2023
As a valued customer of the Eastern Channel routes, we wanted you to be among the first to hear the full details of the new unaccompanied Tilbury<>Calais service. This new route will replace the current Sheerness<>Calais service, which will cease with the last sailing at the end of June 2023.
The new Tilbury<>Calais service will initially commence with a daily crossing in each direction six days a week and will be operated by Botnia Seaways with a capacity of 115 trailers per trip.
The new route is the result of customer demand and feedback received by DFDS through their regular surveys.
The attractive schedule is aligned with rail services in Calais (evening) and early morning arrivals in Tilbury for same day onward distribution in UK. Port of The Tilbury uses Destin8 Tilbury port code 000093.
Tilbury>Calais customs documentation required: Export UCR from UK & Import MRN into Europe
Calais>Tilbury customs documentation required: Export MRN from Europe & Import GMR into UK.
If you have any further questions on this or any of the other services`, we offer please don`t hesitate to contact us
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HGV Levy to return for Trucks Operating on UK Roads
13-06-2023
The HGV Levy was suspended by HM Government on 1st August 2020 as a response to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In March this year the Department for Transport announced its reintroduction, effective from 1st August 2023, for all HGVs of 12ts and over to ensure that they make a contribution for using the UK`s roads.
The levy is equally applicable for both UK and overseas-registered trucks.
There are significant changes in how the charges will be applied. Previously the charge was based on a combination of the number of axles and Euro standard. The new HGV levy will be based on
• Vehicle weight as a broad approximation to CO2 emissions
• Vehicle air quality emissions standard
• Vehicle air quality emissions standard
For UK-registered trucks, payments will be collected by the DVLA. The operator will pay levy costs at the same time as Vehicle Excise Duty (VED).
For non-UK registered vehicles, the operators will have to setup an account and make advance payments via gov.uk/hgv-levy
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Out of Gauge costs in Port of Calais
01-06-2023
Please be advised that the Port of Calais have imposed an additional surcharge for the shipments of out of gauge (OOG) vehicles, which means that we will impose an OOG surcharge on Dover<>Calais service with immediate effect.
Please see below the applied charges, which will display on your invoice as follows:
OOG Level 1:
€50 surcharge is applied if the vehicle meets at least one of the three specifications as follows:
- Length from 20.01m to 25m
- Width from 3.01m to 4m
- Gross weight from 44.1 tons to 72 tons
OOG Level 2:
€150 surcharge is applied if the vehicle meets at least one of three specifications as follows:
- Length above 25m
- Width above 4m
- Gross weight above 72 Tons
We would like to take this opportunity to advise that no OOG surcharge applies when shipping on our Dover<>Dunkerque service.
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CLdN to start new Teesport service from Zeebrugge / Rotterdam
06-04-2023
The Teesside service will initially consist of four round trip sailings per week, three from Zeebrugge and one from Rotterdam and has started on 18 March 2023. This expansion is driven by customer demand to have direct and reliable access for freight units to the North East of England, thereby bringing cargo closer to its final destination and avoiding road mileage and unnecessary CO2 emissions.
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Holland Norway Lines - Relocation Cuxhafen/Emden
27-03-2023
We have found Emden (D) willing as to host the Holland Norway Lines from June 1, 2023.
There is still a chance of cancellations before Holland Norway Lines sails from Cuxhaven, but HNL is also working hard on alternatives for this period and will keep you informed of any developments in the schedule in the coming weeks.
From the beginning of April to the beginning of June the port of Cuxhaven (D) is willing host Holland Norway Lines.
There is still a chance of cancellations before Holland Norway Lines sails from Cuxhaven, but HNL is also working hard on alternatives for this period and will keep you informed of any developments in the schedule in the coming weeks.
From the beginning of April to the beginning of June the port of Cuxhaven (D) is willing host Holland Norway Lines.
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