The Rotterdam and Prague members of the Famous Pacific Shipping network of independent forwarders and consolidators, have launched a trade-only, temperature-controlled ocean LCL service for perishables, according to Shipping Gazette.
FPS (Rotterdam and Prague) chief executive officer Jean Paul van Munster said the consolidation service will create a saving for shippers up to 15 cubic metres and, on some trades, up to 20 cubic metres.
The new service is targeting those commodities - typically foodstuffs, wine, medicines and chemicals used in food production - which require transport at a constant 15 degrees C. Only commodities that can be safely mixed within a single container will be shipped together.
Initially, the service will operate fortnightly from the company's Rotterdam container freight station to Dubai and Japan. FPS plans to increase to weekly sailings when market demand permits, to add further destinations, and to increase the European catchment area.
The service is aimed squarely at forwarders throughout Europe, many of whom already use FPS as an NVOCC for other commodity traffic. Customers will be encouraged to deliver cargo to the FPS temperature-controlled facility as close as possible to closing and sailing time, although the company can store goods at the required temperature for an additional period if necessary.
FPS is using reefer boxes belonging to its chosen lines, and utilising only direct sailings in order to minimise transit times.
"We are not only looking at the Rotterdam market, but also the Dutch hinterland and France, Mr van Munster said, adding "our goal is to establish weekly services to all destinations that require temperature controlled consolidation. These may be in the tropics, but also in cold climates."
FPS (Rotterdam and Prague) chief executive officer Jean Paul van Munster said the consolidation service will create a saving for shippers up to 15 cubic metres and, on some trades, up to 20 cubic metres.
The new service is targeting those commodities - typically foodstuffs, wine, medicines and chemicals used in food production - which require transport at a constant 15 degrees C. Only commodities that can be safely mixed within a single container will be shipped together.
Initially, the service will operate fortnightly from the company's Rotterdam container freight station to Dubai and Japan. FPS plans to increase to weekly sailings when market demand permits, to add further destinations, and to increase the European catchment area.
The service is aimed squarely at forwarders throughout Europe, many of whom already use FPS as an NVOCC for other commodity traffic. Customers will be encouraged to deliver cargo to the FPS temperature-controlled facility as close as possible to closing and sailing time, although the company can store goods at the required temperature for an additional period if necessary.
FPS is using reefer boxes belonging to its chosen lines, and utilising only direct sailings in order to minimise transit times.
"We are not only looking at the Rotterdam market, but also the Dutch hinterland and France, Mr van Munster said, adding "our goal is to establish weekly services to all destinations that require temperature controlled consolidation. These may be in the tropics, but also in cold climates."