Mercedes and Norfolkline partnership lowers emissions

Mercedes-Benz UK has enhanced its benchmark import strategy and lowered the operation’s carbon footprint through a new shipping arrangement with Norfolkline.

Under the new agreement, Mercedes-Benz UK will now import vehicles destined for Scotland and the north of England via the Rosyth-Zeebrugge route, recently reinstated by Norfolkline.

Unloading these vehicles at Rosyth rather than at the previously used port of Killingholme (near Immingham) has a significant impact on ‘lead mileage’ – the amount of road miles covered by the transporters delivering them to their eventual destinations. For example, with most Scotland-bound vehicles heading to Edinburgh it is now only 15 miles from Rosyth, whereas before it was a journey of 274 miles from Killingholme.

It is estimated that the reduction in lead mileage through using Rosyth’s superior location and road connections will result in a saving of 245,556 road miles per annum, which equates to a fuel saving of 171,889 litres and a reduction in CO2 of 464,100 kgs.

The Rosyth-Zeebrugge route is the only direct continental shipping service into Scotland and Mercedes-Benz UK will use the Norfolkline sailings three times a week. The whole range of Mercedes-Benz and smart models will be shipped aboard the Scottish Viking, Norfolkline’s brand new and specially commissioned, state-of-the-art vessel.

Richard Broomfield, Vehicle Logistics Manager, Mercedes-Benz UK Limited said on the new development: “We're delighted that this service has recommenced and that we're supporting this Scottish venture. Shipping units through Rosyth will reduce the mileage travelled by our car transporters, with the corresponding savings in fuel and CO2 emissions.”

The partnership has been a key highlight in Norfolkline’s reintroduction of the Rosyth-Zeebrugge route as Bas van Helden, Route Director of Rosyth-Zeebrugge service for Norfolkline, comments: “This early partnership with Mercedes-Benz is an encouraging start to the new service. Established even before our first sailing, such keen interest has offered a positive indication of our future within the freight industry.

“As Scotland’s only direct ferry link to the Continent, this route offers convenience, cost savings and carbon footprint reductions, and we are delighted companies such as Mercedes-Benz have been so ready to utilise these benefits and commit to working with Norfolkline’s new service.”