ROLL-on roll-off (roro) volumes at the Port of Ipswich are set for a further boost following the arrival of a second purpose-built vessel on a key North Sea route.

The mv Severine is the second of four “Ipswichmax” vessels being built for CLdN’s Ipswich-Rotterdam service at the Kyokuyo shipyard in Japan, and this week joined its sister ship the mv Capucine on the route.

The Ipswichmax vessels, each capable of carrying up to 160 trailers and containers, were designed specifically with Ipswich in mind and after extensive pre-design and build simulation work.

They have been custom built with a length of 152metres and with draft and superstructure arrangements so as to enable safe transit up and down the River Orwell, including passage under the Orwell Bridge.

Associated British Ports (ABP), which owns the Port of Ipswich, has also invested nearly �500,000 in an innovative swinging wire arrangement, believed to be the first of its kind in the UK, so as to enable the manoeuvring and positioning of the vessels on departure and within the 200m constraint of the River Orwell which separates the port’s West Bank and East Bank facilities.

Nick Ridehalgh, ABP’s port director for short sea ports, said: “Historically the Ipswich to Rotterdam route has been a preferred choice for hauliers in respect of both eastbound and westbound traffic and we are absolutely delighted that CLdN has committed Capucine and Severine to the route, significantly increasing the available capacity as a result.

“CLdN’s substantial investment in the ‘Ipswichmax’ class of vessel together with ABP’s investment in bespoke facilities to accommodate the vessels is clear evidence of our joint commitment to the route and recognises the strategic attraction of Ipswich’s river port location.”

A CLdN spokesman said: “The latest additions to the fleet allow us to offer a first class service on the route, with daily evening sailings from Ipswich and Rotterdam and punctual morning arrivals in both ports. This, combined with the mileage savings available through Ipswich and the excellent road access, brings a welcome boost to shippers using services to the Haven ports.”