London / Zeebrugge –February 2026 – P&O Ferries has strengthened its North Sea freight capacity with the long-term charter of a new roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) vessel, Lismore, which has officially joined the fleet.
The vessel will operate on the Zeebrugge–Tilbury corridor, expanding space for unaccompanied freight and enhancing schedule reliability across one of the UK–Europe’s most critical trade routes.
Expanded Capacity on a Key Trade Corridor
A sister ship to Longstone, Lismore will operate alongside its twin on the Zeebrugge–Tilbury route, increasing available freight space and supporting rising customer demand.
Key vessel specifications include:
- 4,076 lane metres
- Capacity for up to 290 freight units
- Potential weekly lane metre uplift of 9,000 metres
- 18 departures per week starting 18 February
The additional deployment reinforces the P&O Ferries North Sea freight capacity strategy by enabling greater guaranteed space for freight forwarders, logistics operators and shippers moving goods between the UK and mainland Europe.
Supporting Unaccompanied Freight Growth
The Zeebrugge–Tilbury route, linking Zeebrugge and Tilbury, plays a vital role in supporting resilient supply chains across automotive, retail, industrial and project cargo sectors.
Lismore can accommodate a wide range of cargo types, including:
- Wide loads
- Self-drive vehicles
- Trailers
- Lift units
- Loose plant and machinery
- Mobile homes
- Chassis
- Trade cars
By enhancing unaccompanied trailer capacity, P&O Ferries is positioning the service as a dependable alternative for operators seeking predictable transit windows and secured freight space.
Strategic Commitment to Customers
Kasper Moos, CEO of P&O Ferries, emphasized the long-term value proposition behind the charter:
“Our focus is on being a trusted, long-term partner to freight customers. By increasing capacity on the Zeebrugge–Tilbury corridor, we’re making it easier for customers to secure guaranteed space, plan with confidence and support their growth. This investment underlines our determination to offer a service that is dependable, competitive and aligned with evolving demand across key European supply chains.”
The charter reflects ongoing adjustments within North Sea freight markets, where capacity security and schedule reliability remain critical amid fluctuating trade volumes and evolving customs environments.
Strengthening the North Sea Network
With 18 weekly sailings now available on the Zeebrugge–Tilbury route, the enhanced service strengthens P&O Ferries’ broader North Sea network and reinforces its role as a key logistics link between the UK and continental Europe.
The addition of Lismore signals sustained investment in freight-focused maritime infrastructure, supporting both existing customers and new entrants seeking scalable and resilient cross-channel transport solutions.
