Coastlink Conference 2019 to provide offshore solutions to logistics challenges

Monday 13 May 2019

With congestion, clean air zones and the ongoing driver shortage all challenging the expansion of the use of road freight across the UK, short sea and feeder container shipping could provide an alternative solution to moving goods and raw materials between key conurbations and customers nationwide. FTA, the organisation which represents the logistics industry, is delighted to be supporting the 2019 Coastlink Conference on 12 and 13 June 2019, to help logistics leaders to identify new, innovative ways to use this mode of transport.

“Short sea and feeder container shipping has the potential to become an even more crucial part of UK logistics,” explains Alex Veitch, head of multimodal policy at FTA. “With increasing numbers of businesses looking to diversify their supply chains to reduce the risk of delays there is renewed interest in alternative modes.”

“The Coastlink Conference presents the ideal opportunity to debate and discover innovative ways to use short sea and feeder container shipping to reinforce the UK’s trading partnerships and future-proof the country’s supply chain ahead of the challenges which Brexit will undoubtedly bring. There are huge opportunities ahead to create a real ‘motorway of the sea’ and FTA is delighted to be at the forefront of the discussions which will help to develop a truly interconnected short sea network.”

Attendees at this year’s event will include representatives of short sea shipping companies and their agents, intermodal operators, shipbrokers, ports and freight operators, as well as forwarding and logistics companies. And as Mr Veitch continues, the programme of activities planned will provide plenty of opportunities for debate, discovery and discussion among delegates:

“The short sea and feeder shipping sectors have a unique opportunity at this point to shape their future success and Coastlink 2019 will provide the perfect forum in which to place the industry under the microscope and identify ways to ensure its continued growth and further success in the years to come.  I look forward to lively debate, challenging conversations and plenty of new ideas!”

The event, which will take place on 12 and 13 June at the Leonardo Royal Hotel Southampton Grand Harbour, is now open for bookings at a cost of £1,058 per delegate (FTA members will receive a 10% discount on booking).

For further information about the content of the event, please visit www.coastlink.co.uk