Samskip is revitalizing its UK trade strategy with a new direct connection offering more flexibility, efficiency, and multimodal options for northeast England
02 June 2025 – Samskip is proud to announce the launch of a new shortsea container service calling at the Port of Blyth, enhancing multimodal connections between the UK and key European trade hubs. This strategic expansion strengthens its presence in northeast England, offering shippers a reliable, cost-efficient and sustainable transport alternative that connects seamlessly to Samskip’s wider European network.
The Blyth service brings added value to Samskip’s UK customers by introducing:
- Direct weekly sailings between Blyth and Rotterdam
- Fast transshipment to European markets via Samskip’s hub network
- Seamless road and rail connections for inland distribution
- High-frequency departures and reliable transit schedules
- A more sustainable alternative to traditional trucking routes
“Expanding to Blyth supports our mission to be closer to our customers and provide agile, multimodal solutions tailored to their evolving needs,” says Samskip Manager Sales & Operations, Scott Montgomery. “This new service opens up exciting opportunities for regional shippers seeking dependable and environmentally conscious logistics.”
A New Era for Samskip UK Trade
This launch marks more than just a new service — it signals Samskip’s renewed focus and commitment to revitalizing 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. As it invests in this new chapter, Samskip is inviting new and returning customers to rediscover what it can offer — with local care, smarter routing, and the backing of one of Europe’s largest multimodal networks.
The Port of Blyth was selected for its strategic location, modern infrastructure, and growing importance as a regional logistics hub. Its proximity to key industrial zones and ports of entry makes it a vital part of Samskip’s UK strategy moving forward.
Alasdair Kerr, Commercial Director at Port of Blyth, commented: “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. 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.”
This new development reflects Samskip’s broader commitment to strengthening European supply chains through smart, sustainable investments offering businesses of all sizes the benefits of flexibility, reliability, and a true partner in logistics.
About Samskip
With headquarters in Rotterdam, Samskip offers pan-European, more sustainable multimodal transport services via shortsea, road, rail and inland waterway routes. High frequency services connect destinations across Europe, Iceland and Faroes Island, both door-to-door and quay-to-quay, using a wide range of vessels, containers, trucks and trailers. Festing HF, an affiliate company of Samskip, primarily owning ports and warehouses, acquired 50% of the shares of current shareholders of Matrans Rotterdam Terminal. Festing HF and Matrans are currently in the process of obtaining clearance from the Dutch Competition Authority (ACM) for this joint venture and will await ACM’s decision.”
About Port of Blyth
Port of Blyth is the port operating division of Blyth Harbour Commission, an independent statutory trust established in 1882. It is one of the largest Trust Port’s in the UK handling cargo across four terminals based around the River Blyth.
Together with major logistics and training divisions, the Port group has a growing turnover exceeding £31 million, driven by growth across a variety of sectors but particularly offshore energy, with the Port is now recognised as a major strategic east coast base supporting the sector. Other trade handled includes containers, dry bulks (coal, aggregates, cement etc.) and marine fuels.
