The Port of Dover’s cargo terminal has now received the first reefer breakbulk call to the UK in almost 20 years. Greensea NV’s Green Honduras called to the Port in September with the first of many shipments of melons to the UK market via Dover.
The Port of Dover, Seaholm Logistics Ltd and Greensea NV have agreed a weekly vessel call to the Port, delivering in excess of 1,000 pallets of melons each week for the duration of the 2022/23 melon season.
Brazilian melon growers, Agricola Famosa S.A, will supply a range of melons, including Yellow Melons, Watermelons and Honey Dew Melons. All melons will be stored onsite in the Port of Dover’s state-of-the-art perishable warehouse before distribution to retailers and service delivery partners across the UK.
Alison Hall, Head of Business Development at the Port of Dover said:
“Dover’s market share of perishable freight has gone from strength to strength since the opening of our state-of-the-art cargo terminal in 2019. This new weekly service will deliver a significant number of pallets of melons each week to the UK market and solidifies the Port’s position as market leading specialists in the handling of perishable cargo.”
Tim Dybala, Operations, at Greensea Chartering NV, said:
“Greensea NV is delighted to deliver this weekly service of melons to the Port of Dover. This is the first reefer breakbulk vessel call carrying perishable freight to the UK in the past 20 years, with containerised freight previously taking precedence, and we’re incredibly proud of this achievement.”
We are also pleased to be working with the Port of Dover, which has a team of renowned perishable experts and a purpose-built cargo terminal that offers zero ship deviation by operating at a strategic location next to the world’s busiest shipping lane.”
Mark Holmwood, Managing Director at Seaholm Logistics Ltd, said:
“Kent has a rich history supporting the import of Melons so it’s an honour to support Agricola Famosa import melon into the UK at Dover. Supporting the commitment of the seasonal service, we can showcase breakbulk reefer and flexibility at Dover.”
Speaking on behalf of Agricola Famosa S.A, Carlo Porro, said:
“As an end-to-end melon grower and supplier to the UK market, Agricola Famosa is thrilled to have secured and started this breakbulk reefer service to the UK to continue the trade of melons from our fields in Brazil, to consumers within the UK, from Port Fortaleza to the Port of Dover.”
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