CMA CGM and Team Lines have started offering fixed-day weekly calls at Poland's new deepwater container terminal, DCT Gdansk.

CMA CGM is scheduled to call at Gdansk each Monday/Tuesday with the 1,400-TEU vessel, the Cape Fulmar, linking Gdansk/Gdynia with Hamburg and Klaipeda on the carrier's FAS Baltic Poland service, a statement from the terminal operator said.

Baltic feeder operator Team Lines will start a weekly call at DCT Gdansk in September with the 508-TEU Maris, providing a regular link to Hamburg and Bremerhaven.

Fred Kamperman, general manager of DCT Gdansk said: "To have major operators such as CMA CGM and Team Lines commit to fixed weekly services into DCT Gdansk is excellent news. Shippers, forwarders and the entire container transport industry can now look forward to the expedient routing of their cargo via a brand new terminal that features the latest in modern equipment and handling technologies. Our concept of a fast and efficient Polish port to serve both the short and deep sea markets has become a reality."

DCT Gdansk said it is also in talks with other carriers to initiate more regular weekly calls.

Phase one of the terminal is fully operational, with three post panamax ship-to-shore cranes, five rubber-tyred gantries and enough yard space and back-up machinery to handle an annual throughput of 500,000 TEU. DCT Gdansk is linked to Poland's transport infrastructure by new road and rail links.