SCT will welcome the return of Maersk Line from early 2006 after an absence of almost 8 years. When the 6,000 TEU Sovereign Maersk departed from Southampton on March 23rd 1998, it was a sad day for SCT and thoughts of a return to Southampton at that time were on the distant horizon.

However, following the purchase of P&O Nedlloyd by Maersk Line and the complex integration of two fleets into one, three Far East calls a week will be established through Southampton. No doubt as well as providing greater flexibility through operating between Southampton and Felixstowe, improvements to service levels at SCT over the last 12 months must have been a deciding factor.

“We are looking forward to getting Maersk back and seeing the light blue ships sailing up the Solent again, and it is a tribute to the major improvements in performance we have produced this year that Maersk Line has the confidence in SCT to handle their business,” said Patrick Walters Managing Director.